We started with the question, “what are the standards for Green Data Centers?” and “how are we Green now?". While the industry is still struggling with agreement on a single standard, we have discovered that BlueBridge has already begun several initiatives on this path.

Basically, a green data center is a repository for the storage, management, and dissemination of data in which the mechanical, lighting, electrical and computer systems that are designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact.

At first, it appeared to be a daunting task for a data center to be Green. So, as we began to investigate, we were pleasantly surprised to find out the many ways we are Green already - even the simple examples of recycling paper, aluminum cans and using glassware instead of Styrofoam in the office.

Many of the recent investments we have made have squarely set us on the right path. Starting with our own internal network, we now use virtual server consolidation technologies to reduce the number of servers from twenty four to six. This along with smart energy management tools, have reduced power consumption on the servers themselves and have also reduced heat output, thereby reducing power consumption for cooling.

Moreover, employing smart power distribution and power monitoring systems provides us with the tools needed to help our customers reduce power consumption through more efficient power delivery. Additionally, airflow studies past and present facilitate more efficient utilization for cooling throughout the data center. All reduce power consumption.

Energy efficiency and savings add up. A watt saved in the data center saves at least a watt in cooling. It is amazing that there is so much work being done by others that can be incorporated into a company with just a little creativity and investment. Over time, larger investments can be made that will be green friendly and provide a good return on investment.

As we continue to research green data center designs, we are able to learn more about the best and most efficient use of cooling, power consumption and yield. It all begins with awareness and a willingness to be a friend of the good earth.

GREEN GRID METRICS: Describing Datacenter Power Efficiency

Technical Committee White Paper >>

State of the Green Data Center 2008 (Part 1)

By Rich Miller April 22, 2008

Operating energy-efficient "green" data centers continues to be a priority for Corporate America, but the effort is being complicated by a lack of standards and information-sharing. Industry groups are making progress on establishing best practices, but end users are struggling with the complexity and scope of the challenges in their facilities. With no magic technology solutions in sight, progress on data center energy efficiency has been uneven and closely tied to corporate commitment.

 Full article here >>

State of the Green Data Center 2008 (Part 2)

By Rich Miller April 22, 2008

Read part 1: Microsoft is among those who see a need for more leadership and more openness. At Data Center World, Microsoft's Mike Manos said his company would be sharing more information about its energy efficiency efforts, rather than hoarding innovation for "competitive advantage" (a phrase sometimes identified with Microsoft's rival Google, which is known for secrecy surrounding its data center operations).

Full article here >>

10 Simple Steps to a Green Datacenter

Written by Amy Hengst
April 20th, 2007

You can cut costs and make a global impact by joining the trend toward the eco-friendly datacenter.

Making your datacenter eco-friendly can bring your company major benefits and put you ahead of the environmental trend. If the cost to implement a green datacenter is holding you back, consider how much you're spending right now on energy output. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, data centers used an estimated 12 billion kilowatt hours of electrical power in the year 2000, expanding to 23 billion in 2005.

The complete article is here:

http://www.itmanagement.com/features/10-steps-green-datacenter/

Seven steps to a green data center

Robert Mitchell
April 21, 2007

How green is your data center? If you don't care now, you will soon. Most data center managers haven't noticed the steady rise in electricity costs, since they don't usually see those bills. But they do see the symptoms of surging power demands.

High-density servers are creating hot spots in data centers that have surpassed 30 kilowatts per rack for some high-end systems. As a result, some data center managers are finding that they can't get enough power distributed out to those racks on the floor. Still others are finding that they can't get more power to the building: they've maxed out the power utility's ability to deliver additional capacity to that location.

The complete article is here:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9017398