Server, Data Center Efficiencies

Anew report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that data centers in the United States have the potential to save up to $4 billion in annual electricity costs through more energy-efficient equipment and operations, and the implementation of best-management practices. The report found that in the past five years, increased use of data centers—and the power and cooling infrastructure that support them—has doubled energy use to more than 100 billion kilowatt-hours, increased greenhouse-gas emissions and raised concerns about power-grid reliability.

The study, “Report to Congress on Server and Data Center Energy Efficiency,” suggests priority efficiency opportunities and strategies that can lead to additional savings via state-of-the-art technologies and operations.

It found that existing technologies and strategies could reduce typical server energy use by 25%, with even greater energy savings possible with advanced technologies.

Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=prod_development.server_efficiency_study for more information and a copy of the report.