Improving Data Center Efficiency

Abstract

Nationwide, data centers are consuming power at an alarming rate and represent 1.5% of all U.S. electric consumption. The speed at which the growth is occurring challenges data center operators and facility management to properly manage the energy consumption, evaluate growth trends, ensure system redundancy, and develop energy conservation strategies. Various public and private groups have partnered to establish goals to reduce the energy consumption of these facilities. This article provides a series of industry best practices and provides recommendations to improve teamwork, establish metrics, compare benchmarks, establish goals, and offer common energy conservation measures that will quickly contain expenses, maintain reliability, and retain a company's competitive advantage.