Big data requires more electricity efficiency

In an evaluation of 40 data centers examined for operational and power optimization, Future Resource Engineering found more than 24 million kWh in energy savings, which could result in $2.2 million in cost savings, as well as $1.4 million in applicable utility rebates that the data centers can use to offset the cost of retrofitting while enjoying a faster return on investment (ROI).

At a time of rising power costs and related environmental concerns, these findings are critical.

To identify these savings, the organization utilized a three-phase Data Center Optimization Process, combining a facility evaluation to highlight energy and operational inefficiencies, efficiency reporting that outlines applicable utility rebates, and the implementation of energy-efficiency recommendations.

To calculate these figures, Future Resource Engineering evaluated forty data centers across the United States which spanned a variety of industries, including: colocation, healthcare, higher education, government and telecommunications. The computer rooms varied from 5,000 square feet to 95,000 square feet, illustrating that energy and operational efficiency are highly sought after goals of data centers, regardless of size. The unifying factor across all sites were the best practices that data center owners and operators should be employing to reduce their energy usage.

Download the report (registration required).