According to recent studies, data centers and servers consume more than 1% of all electricity produced in the United States and the usage is expected to increase to over 2% within five years. Energy-efficient options now exist for data centers of all sizes.

Before making any purchases or implementing changes in your data center, consider the following:

• Purchase more energy-efficient servers. Starting in late 2009, ENERGY STAR^® labels will be on servers that have a more efficient AC to DC power supply.
  
  
• Consider virtualization where a host server runs multiple operating systems and applications. The overall utilization and efficiency of the system increases, allowing for consolidation and elimination of other equipment.
  
  
• Purchase more efficient uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Different UPS systems feature various technologies; some are more efficient than others, particularly at lower UPS loadings.
  
  
• Take advantage of server power management software, available with some new systems. When your servers are not utilized, they could go into lower energy stand-by mode, while remaining accessible for the next user.  
  
  
• Purchase PC power management software to hibernate or turn-off computers through network solutions during non-business hours.  
  
  
• Consider virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) if you plan to purchase many computers that will carry the same image. The thin clients use less energy than the standard PC or laptop.
  
  
• Optimize your data center's HVAC system using ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.9 temperature and humidity guidelines. The recommended temperature settings for Class 1 and 2 data centers is 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% to 55% relative humidity. The rate of temperature change is just as important as the temperature setting, a maximum of 9 degrees per hour is recommended.
  
  
• Utilize outside air to cool your data center the majority of the year with an outside air or waterside economizer, air to air heat exchanger, or a dry cooler. If you allow warmer data center temperature set points (up to 77 degrees is within the recommended range), the hours to take advantage of the outside air conditions increases which increases electrical savings.
  
  
• Reclaim heat from larger data centers and use to preheat supply air going to another part of the building.
  
  

As your partner in energy efficiency, Efficiency Vermont can provide technical assistance -- evaluating proposals and making suggestions on how to improve your plans -- as well as potentially offer financial incentives towards more energy-efficient choices. For additional information, please call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990.