ESG, Energy Efficiency and Data Centre Cooling

A few weeks ago, we hosted an event for network operators and AltNets where we explored the latest practices and new technologies for reducing energy usage across major infrastructure. An area of interest that came up numerous times was meeting ESG targets due to the continued rise in energy prices. 

If you inspect any company objectives or values you will see sustainability front and centre. In the UK we are aiming to have more energy security and globally we are striving to reduce overall emissions. With the rising cost of energy, it is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to manage their energy consumption effectively to meet ESG targets. Recent estimates shoe that data centres account for almost 2% of total global electricity demand. It is therefore essential that data centres are as efficient as possible – especially as it usually takes as much energy to cool equipment as it does to power it. By taking simple steps like measuring energy output, mapping it, and maintaining good conditions in your data centre, you can start to make significant steps towards achieving your efficiency targets.  

Measuring, Reducing and Predicting Outputs 

The first step in reducing energy consumption and increasing control over your outputs is to measure your current power usage accurately. A quick and easy way to achieve this is using intelligent power bars that provide advanced power monitoring and metrics. These power bars offer real-time insights with ±0.5% metering accuracy into critical power quality, energy efficiency, and equipment health at the cabinet level. 

By using intelligent power bars instead of your standard power distribution units (PDUs), you can see how much energy is being used by each rack and if any are drawing a disproportionate amount of power. The monitoring and switching capabilities of the power bars also help in detecting and managing zombie servers, which are resources that are running but no longer performing any useful work. For those operating colocation (COLO) data centres, these power bars enable precise energy cost predictions, allowing for more accurate pricing models.  

Optimising and Securing the Environment  

With the use of smart sensors, you can monitor temperature, humidity, vibrations, water leaks, and airflows within your data centre. This data allows you to create a 3D model of your data centre, highlighting hot spots, cold spots, and underutilised racks, allowing you to have full visibility of your centre, in an easy format to present to others. This allows you to identify problem areas and target your efforts where you stand to make the biggest impact.  

Maintaining your Environment for ESG Success

As energy consumption increases, so does the heat generated by data centres. Efficient cooling is essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating. Traditionally data centres use constant air conditioning to cool down the air temperature.  

However, the latest advancements in liquid cooling are up to 75% more efficient than traditional air-cooling methods. Liquid cooling systems transfer heat more effectively, reducing the overall energy required to keep major infrastructure at a stable temperature. Rather than blowing cool air at hot equipment, liquid cooling extracts the heat at source reducing the need for inefficient air conditioning.  

Reducing energy usage across major infrastructure is more than a company objective. It is a necessity in today’s environmental and economic climate. By accurately measuring current power usage and adopting advanced cooling technologies, companies can significantly reduce their energy consumption.  

Achieving your ESG targets does not have to be a far-off goal, there are quick and simple steps you can take now. This not only contributes to global carbon reduction efforts but also helps manage rising energy costs and energy insecurity.  

Using technology and strategies like these, we helped one of Britain’s largest telecom providers to reach their ESG targets two years early. Adopting these measures ensures regulatory compliance and cost savings, as well as paving the way for a sustainable future where businesses can thrive while actively contributing to the global effort of reducing carbon footprints. 

Contact us today to discuss your needs and take your next step towards better energy efficiency.