Data centres are the lifeblood of the digital age, providing the infrastructure needed to power the ever-growing digital landscape. Without them, the world would not have access to the vast and ever-growing range of digital products and services that have become part of our lives. As such, data centres are the essential foundation of the digital world and are necessary for its ongoing growth. But as the world turns to digital solutions to drive innovation, sustainability has become a significant concern. Are smaller data centres more eco-friendly than larger ones? This is a crucial question in exploring sustainability in the digital age. Smaller data centres can offer several advantages regarding energy efficiencies, such as lower demand for cooling, less strain on the power grid, and the potential for green energy sources.
With the rise of cloud computing, data centres are no longer just large buildings filled with servers but a complex network of servers and storage devices around the globe. Data centres are also an essential part of disaster recovery plans, providing a secure place to store data in case of a disaster. Not only do data centres offer a safe environment for data, but they also provide the infrastructure for cloud computing and the ability to scale up quickly. As a result, data centres are essential for companies to stay competitive in the digital age.
Advantages of smaller data centres
Smaller data centres have become increasingly attractive to businesses in recent years. This is due to their many advantages in sustainability, cost-effectiveness and flexibility. First and foremost, the lower load of smaller data centres requires less energy, resulting in lower cooling costs and carbon emissions. This makes them an eco-friendlier option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Moreover, the lower load of smaller data centres also means that they are more likely to use green energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which are often not connected to the grid. This helps reduce the strain on the power grid and helps businesses save money in the long run. Finally, the lower costs of running smaller data centres can lead to significant savings for businesses. This is due to the reduced energy and cooling costs, as well as the lower cost of hardware and maintenance.
Green energy sources for data centres
The energy consumption of data centres is immense. Data centres that are among the most significant in the world can accommodate tens of thousands of IT systems and need more than 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity to function correctly. To put that into perspective, 100 MW is equivalent to powering around 80,000 homes in the United States (U.S. DOE 2020). As such, data centres must use green energy sources to reduce their environmental impact.
Solar energy is one of the most popular green energy sources for data centres. Solar energy is relatively inexpensive and easy to scale up, making it an excellent option for data centres. It is also reliable and can be used in almost any climate. Solar energy is also renewable and does not cause pollution or other environmental damage.
Additionally, data centres are increasingly turning to wind energy as an eco-friendly power source. Wind energy is abundant, renewable and clean, making it an attractive choice for data centres. Additionally, wind turbines can be placed near data centres, which can help reduce their electricity costs.
Finally, data centres can also take advantage of hydropower. This is an especially attractive option for data centres near rivers or other bodies of water. Hydropower is clean, renewable and reliable and can provide data centres with a steady energy supply.
Data centres can significantly reduce their environmental impact by using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower while still providing reliable and efficient services. In the long run, this will help make data centres more sustainable and reduce their overall energy consumption.
At 101 Data Solutions, we understand that there are many factors to consider when selecting the right data centre. We take the time to review your needs and objectives and then identify potential data centres that are a good fit for your business. We look at cost, location, security, scalability, and performance factors to ensure you get the most out of your data centre. Also, our team at 101 Data Solutions evaluate potential data centres based on their energy efficiency and carbon footprint. By choosing a data centre that is better for the environment, you can help reduce your business’s overall carbon footprint while also saving on energy costs and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are taking steps to protect the planet.
About Brett Edgecombe, Managing Director, 101 Data Solutions
Even as a child living in Canada, Brett always had an interest in technology, so starting his career within the technology industry was a natural progression in 1998 when it began at the UK’s first ISP, Compuserve Interactive Services in Bristol.
He has first-hand experience in modern Enterprise Storage Infrastructure solutions, having worked at Sun Microsystems in 2000, where he worked with large commercial and education customers across the UK.
Brett created 101 Data Solutions in 2008 with a focus on Data Storage centric delivered through high-quality technology solutions direct to businesses throughout the UK. His strategic vision and sector knowledge allows him to bring excellence to 101’s customers through experience, technical foresight and relationship building.
