In the era of information, data centers are the heart of global connectivity. However, their expansion has led to an increase in energy consumption and environmental impact.
In this blog, we will explore how Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) can make our data centers more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, we will highlight how a robust Data Center Infrastructure Management System (DCIM) can enhance these practices for a more sustainable future, provided its implementation is carried out by top-tier experts..
As an introduction, we will discuss the key points referenced in the document released by the European Commission in late 2021 regarding best practices in environmental management for the telecommunications sector.
In this blog, we will focus on section 3.1 Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) for Data Centers
Best Practices for Sustainable Data Centers
1. Implementation of an Energy Management System:
- Implementing management systems such as ISO 50001 for a comprehensive view of energy consumption
- Audit and optimize existing equipment before making new investments.
- Utilizar equipos de medición para seguimiento y reporting de indicadores clave de rendimiento.
2. Use measurement equipment for monitoring and reporting key performance indicators
- Implement effective policies to reduce unnecessary data..
- Utilize network technologies and virtualization to maximize the use of shared platforms.
- Consolidate services and decommission unnecessary hardware to reduce energy consumption..
3. Improvement of management and design of airflowe:
- Implement hot aisle/cold aisle configurations.
- Ensure aisle separation and containment.
- Enhance floor and ceiling design to reduce air leaks and obstructions.
4. Improvement of cooling management:
- Maintain efficient cooling systems according to computational load.
- Optimize and automate the power output of the cooling system
5. Review and adjust temperature and humidity settings:
- Increase temperature settings to reduce cooling requirements.
- Adjust humidity settings to reduce the use of humidifiers
6. Invironmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) related to the selection and implementation of new equipment
- Implement an eco-friendly procurement policy for equipment.
- Choose devices and cooling equipment with good environmental performance.
- Select power supply equipment with good environmental performance.
7. Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) related to the new construction or renovation of data centers.:
- Limit infrastructure resilience and availability based on operational requirements..
- Construct modular data centers to avoid over-sizing.
- Reuse residual heat for heating in other spaces.
8. Design of the data center building and physical layout:
- Reduce direct solar heating in cooled areas.
- Place cooling equipment in appropriate areas..
- Choose a geographic location that enhances economizer performance and reduces the environmental impact of the building.
9. Utilization of alternative water sources
- Monitor water consumption and restrict the use of potable water..
- Use non-potable water sources to reduce impact on water resources.
Implementing DCiM to contribute to Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM)..
Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM)
The Data Center Infrastructure Management System (DCiM) emerges as a comprehensive tool to implement Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) in data centers. Let's explore how DCiM can enhance the sustainability and efficiency of these practices:
Benefits of DCiM in the Implementation of Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM):
- Comprehensive Monitoring:
- DCiM provides detailed, real-time monitoring of all aspects of the data center infrastructure
- It facilitates the identification of energy consumption patterns, enabling more precise decision-making.
Resource Optimization
- Enables a comprehensive view of the infrastructure, facilitating service consolidation and decommissioning of unnecessary hardware.
- Efficient resource management contributes directly to the reduction of energy consumption and long-term cost savings.
Efficient Cooling Management:
- DCiM enables precise adjustment of the cooling system's power output according to the workload, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy usage.
Strategic Planning:
- In the planning phase of new data centers, DCiM provides a detailed insight that prevents over-sizing and maximizes infrastructure efficiency.
In conclusion, it enables a shift towards proactive operations.
Additionally, DCIM is a valuable complement that can assist in tracking and seamlessly integrating with other practices such as
- Reuse of Residual Heat:
- Facilitates the identification of areas where residual heat can be reused to provide additional heating to other parts of the building
Environmental Management of Equipment:
- Enables the selection and monitoring of equipment with good environmental performance, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing the ecological footprint.
Planning for New Data Centers:
- Contributes to the construction of modular data centers, avoiding over-sizing, and maximizing infrastructure efficiency even under partial load conditions.
Building Design and Geographic Location:
- Provides detailed data on the physical layout of the data center, aiding in reducing direct solar radiation and optimizing the placement of cooling equipment.
Water Consumption Management
- Facilitates tracking water consumption and the transition to the use of non-potable water sources, reducing the environmental impact associated with water usage.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that to achieve more sustainable data centers, the implementation of Environmental Management Best Practices (MPGM) is crucial. By integrating a Data Center Infrastructure Management System (DCiM) into all of them, we not only improve operational efficiency but also move towards a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.".
Implementing a DCiM is not only an investment in data center efficiency but also in environmental sustainability and the construction of a responsible digital world.
Let's work together to make our data centers engines of innovation and sustainability!
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