Green IT : A 360-Degree Scan of Current Research , Projects and Initiatives
For some aspects , labels already exist , such as the Blue Angel for data centers or software products , or the Energy Star label and TCO Certified for IT hardware . However , in the course of digitization and the associated increase in data volume and computing load , which is often ultimately processed in a data center , it is now necessary to apply these labels in practice and to implement specific measures .
The focus does not necessarily have to be on new technologies or processes : The energy savings potential from higher server utilization alone can bring significantly higher efficiency . Similarly , underperforming servers should be turned off . Combined with efficient air-conditioning technology and an uninterruptible power supply that is tailored to actual consumption , as well as waste heat recovery , data centers can be designed to be sustainable .
There is still a lack of standards and benchmarks for green software . Approaches and tools are available to measure the energy consumption of software and estimate the associated emissions , but there is a lack of common metrics that can be used for classification . Initiatives such as the Green Software Foundation and the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance are addressing this issue . Results are still in progress . Such initiatives also raise awareness and enable collaboration among different stakeholders with the goal of making green software more attractive and tangible to a broader spectrum .
Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things can play a key role in the combat against climate change . Due to their wide range of applications , there are numerous opportunities to make industrial processes in particular more sustainable and efficient . However , it is important not to overlook the emissions generated by AI and IoT itself , which particularly remain an area of concern in the case of AI .
The views expressed in the IIC Journal of Innovation are the contributing authors ’ views and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective employers nor those of the Industry IoT Consortium .
© 2023 The Industry IoT Consortium logo is a registered trademark of Object Management Group ®. Other logos , products and company names referenced in this publication are property of their respective companies .
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Journal of Innovation 21