Today , there ’ s more than 18 million servers running in more than 2,500 data centers all across the globe to support everything from our global economy to our increasingly remote workforce . As we continue seeing more demand for e- commerce , artificial intelligence , streaming video , virtual reality / augmented reality applications , smart systems , and Big Data analytics , we expect these numbers to climb drastically . This unprecedented demand for digital services has made the case that data centers have become as essential as public utilities such as electricity , gas , and water .

Below is an overview of some of those technologies , according to the guide :

Intelligent Power Management

Intelligent equipment and new controls enable data center operators to improve the utilization and efficiency of the critical power systems required to achieve high levels of data center availability . One strategy we ’ re seeing used by organizations is utilizing the overload capacity designed into some UPS systems to handle short and infrequent demand peaks rather than

oversizing equipment based on these peaks .

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy can be a great tool for reducing carbon emissions . Numerous ways to leverage renewable sources include purchase plan agreements , renewable energy certificates , and migrating loads to cloud or colocation facilities committed to carbon-free operation . Some operators are looking at opportunities to power data centers through locally generated renewable power , which can be accomplished by matching renewable energy sources with fuel cells , systems that can produce clean hydrogen from renewable energy , and UPS systems with dynamic grid support capabilities .

First Steps for Data Center Sustainability Strategy

For organizations in the initial stages of planning long-term efficiency and sustainability goals , beginning such a journey can be daunting . Fortunately , Vertiv ’ s guide offers valuable first steps for reducing environmental impact , including :

• Establishing Goals : Data center operators are embracing goals based on the vision of the net zero data center or adopting several of the pillars that make up that vision . According to Vertiv ’ s guide , a net zero data center typically encompasses :

• Zero losses : Eliminating inefficiencies and maximizing utilization in data center systems .

• Zero carbon : Eliminating carbon emissions from the power consumed by data centers .

• Zero water waste : Eliminating the waste of water for data center operation .

• Zero waste : Eliminating the e-waste created by data center operations .

• Defining Frameworks and Metrics : Emissions will often be the primary target when establishing measurable goals for

reducing environmental impact .

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides standardized global frameworks that industry organizations and their value chain partners can use to understand , aggregate , quantify , and reduce emissions . Find more metrics and frameworks Online .

• Prioritizing Opportunities : Organizations looking to build out their sustainability approach can begin by evaluating existing data center systems and prioritizing opportunities based on goals and available technologies . As plans move forward , operators should continue to prioritize solutions that can achieve desired levels of continuity . Some priorities include increasing asset utilization , decreasing data center water usage , reusing data center heat , and reducing e-waste .

The path toward a more sustainable data center is not paved by a single strategy or piece of technology and implementing these changes will be no easy feat for most organizations . The reduced costs , progress toward corporate goals , limited dependence on utilities , and lessened environmental impact from these initiatives can help create significant long-term value for an organization .