In the IT and data centre industry, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it represents a commitment to meaningful change that benefits both the environment and business operations. For facility and IT managers, this means making informed decisions that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and contribute to long-term environmental goals.
However, with all the jargon and conflicting advice, knowing where to start can be challenging. This blog aims to clarify what sustainability truly means and provide actionable steps for decision-makers to move beyond the rhetoric and make a tangible impact.
Setting the Standard for Sustainability
Sustainability Magazine highlights the 2024 top 10 players in the industry that are setting the standard for sustainability. Companies like Google Cloud, Digital Realty, and Schneider Electric are leading the charge with innovative solutions that make sustainability a reality, not just a marketing tagline.These companies aren't just talking about sustainability—they're implementing strategies that reduce environmental impact while delivering exceptional performance.
Energy Efficiency: The Cornerstone of Sustainable Facilities
Optimising energy use is a critical aspect of reducing environmental impact. Facility and IT managers can implement strategies that significantly lower energy consumption and carbon footprints. In data centres, efficiency is key. IT managers can consolidate servers, deploy energy-efficient hardware, and adopt virtualisation techniques to reduce the physical number of servers required. This not only lowers energy consumption but also reduces the need for extensive cooling systems.
Implementing comprehensive energy management systems is a powerful way to monitor and optimise energy use across the facility. These systems provide real-time data, enabling managers to identify inefficiencies and make informed decisions that lead to significant energy savings.
Key Considerations: Cooling Solutions
Cooling is a significant contributor to energy consumption in data centres. Advanced cooling technologies like liquid immersion cooling or direct-to-chip cooling can significantly reduce energy usage while maintaining optimal temperature control.
Water Usage: How efficient are your cooling systems in terms of water consumption? Consider solutions that incorporate water conservation measures, such as evaporative cooling systems or closed-loop systems that reuse water.
Sustainable Materials: Are the materials used in your cooling infrastructure sourced sustainably? Opt for equipment that incorporates recycled materials and has a lower embodied carbon footprint.
Sustainable Practices: Building a Green Foundation
Sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency; it involves adopting practices that minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. Pursuing green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) can ensure that building operations meet stringent environmental standards. These certifications reflect an organisation’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In addition to certifications, waste reduction initiatives play a vital role. Implementing recycling programs and reducing electronic waste are key strategies. For instance, IT managers can extend the lifecycle of IT equipment through proper maintenance and refurbishing, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising electronic waste.
Key Considerations: E-Waste Management
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing concern in the tech industry. Implementing effective e-waste management strategies is essential for reducing environmental impact.
Electronic Waste Collection: Does your organisation have a plan in place for the responsible disposal of electronic waste? Partner with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure that old equipment is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Lifecycle Management: How does your company manage the lifecycle of its IT equipment? Consider adopting policies that prioritise the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of electronics to reduce waste.
Compliance with Regulations: Are you aware of and compliant with local and international e-waste regulations? Ensuring compliance not only supports sustainability but also avoids potential legal issues.
Green IT Solutions: Innovating for a Sustainable Future
IT managers can make a significant impact by embracing green IT solutions, such as virtualisation and cloud computing. By reducing the need for physical hardware, these solutions lower energy consumption and cooling requirements.
Treske also partners with EkkoSense, a global leader in energy optimisation platforms. Their EkkoSoft Critical software empowers teams to monitor and optimise data centre operations in real-time, reducing thermal and power risks, cutting energy consumption, and supporting ESG initiatives. Robert Linsdell, General Manager at EkkoSense, says, "To understand and act on sustainability, you must first measure it." With cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics, EkkoSense delivers results in weeks, helping organisations reshape their sustainability journey.
The Role of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in Sustainability
An often-overlooked aspect of energy efficiency and sustainability is the role of UPS systems. These systems are crucial for ensuring the continuous operation of IT infrastructure, especially in data centres, and offer several sustainability benefits.
Modern UPS systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing power loss during the conversion process. Some UPS systems also feature load management capabilities, allowing non-essential loads to be shed during peak demand periods, further minimising energy consumption.
By providing clean and consistent power, UPS systems protect sensitive IT equipment from power fluctuations, preventing damage and extending the lifespan of hardware. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, which in turn lowers the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new equipment.
To further support sustainability efforts, consider the APC Trade-UPS program by Schneider Electric, one of our top manufacturers we partner with. This program allows you to trade in your old UPS equipment for more energy-efficient models, which can result in significant cost savings and a reduction in your carbon footprint. The older units are responsibly recycled, ensuring that they do not contribute to electronic waste.
Key Considerations: Power Distribution Management
Sustainable Energy Sources: Is your data centre powered by renewable energy sources? Explore options like on-site solar or wind power, or consider power purchase agreements (PPAs) for off-site renewable energy.
Energy Monitoring: Do you have systems in place to monitor and optimise energy consumption in real-time? Implementing advanced monitoring tools can help identify inefficiencies and reduce energy usage.
Smart Grid Integration: Are your power distribution systems integrated with smart grid technologies? These systems can enhance energy efficiency and provide greater control over energy distribution.
Collaborating for a Greener Future
At Treske, we believe that achieving sustainability is a journey. By working with global powerhouses committed to environmental responsibility, we help our customers navigate this journey and reach their sustainability goals. Whether it's optimising your UPS systems, integrating renewable energy, or adopting green IT solutions, our team is here to provide expert advice and tailored solutions.
Treske is committed to helping you do just that, with access to the leading platforms and technologies for energy optimisation.