Is a green data center good for business?
Data centers became a more prominent part of our lives, and the economy, as Internet usage transitioned from a rarity to the norm.
As this occurred, data center energy consumption grew exponentially year after year, continuing to do so, along with their carbon footprint.
Simultaneously, sustainability began evolving into an essential component of our global economy.
As a result, to reduce their environmental impact, many data center operators have become green, using green or renewable energy sources.
But is this really enough?
Is it worth it for businesses to make the switch to green data centers?
The short answer is yes – but there are a number of reasons why businesses should consider making the switch to green data centers.
In this article, we will go into why green data center solutions are good for business.
In the article:
- What are green data centers?
- The benefits for your business of green data centers
- Are there any challenges to going green
- Going green is worth it for your business
What are green data centers?
You may be wondering, what exactly does it mean to be a green data center?
A green data center is technically a normal data center, however, it has been designed and built to minimize its environmental impact, which includes: reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy, and minimizing the use of harmful materials.
What are renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are alternative energy solutions that can be replaced or replenished.
They have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by providing significant amounts of electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses (GHGs), which contribute to climate change.
The most common renewable energies are those generated from:
- Sunlight (solar energy)
- Winds (wind turbines)
- Movement of water (hydroelectricity)
- Biomass or biofuels (fuels made up of organic substances)
- Geothermal activity.
In contrast, brown energy is what is used by data centers that aren’t green. These are from fossil fuels that emit carbon.
There are also technologies such as nuclear power that are generally called zero carbon but can carry environmental issues associated with the disposal of radioactive waste.
The benefits for your business of green data centers
Green data centers have many advantages for businesses. These include:
Energy savings
Saving energy is one of the primary reasons to make the switch to greener data center solutions.
A green data center can have up to 40% more energy efficiency compared to a traditional data center.
This is due to a number of factors, such as the use of renewable energy sources and more efficient cooling systems.
In addition, by making use of IT equipment that is more energy efficient, businesses can further reduce their energy usage.
A parameter to measure the efficiency of energy usage is power usage efficiency (PUE) .
Environmental sustainability
A green data center is also much more environmentally sustainable than a traditional data center. This is due to the fact that they use sustainable or renewable energy sources which release fewer pollutants into the air.
Reducing the amount of pollution is not only less damaging for the environment but also less harmful to people’s health.
Additionally, green data centers are often built with sustainable materials that can be reused or recycled, reducing the amount of waste produced by the data center, and helping to minimize its carbon footprint.
By making the switch to green data centers, businesses can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere.
Data centers are one of the biggest sources of pollution in the world, and so anything that can be done to reduce their impact is a good thing.
Reduced costs
Green data center technologies reduce the power consumption and the costs for businesses with the latest technologies. The primary way this is achieved is by using less energy than traditional data centers, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills.
Many green technologies are becoming more affordable as they become more popular, and, by using these technologies, businesses can save money while also helping the environment.
Improved brand image and customer loyalty
Apart from the benefits listed above, making the switch can also improve a company’s brand image and customer loyalty.
It shows that a business is committed to sustainability and cares about the environment, which can help to build positive associations with the brand and increase customer loyalty.
Consumer awareness is increasing regarding environmental concerns.
Customer’s consider company values equally relevant to their responsibilities in business operations. According to recent analysis, nearly 80% of Americans want to know how renewable energy works and how it is used.
Using green data center technologies can make a business look cutting edge and innovative, which can also attract new customers and help to set a company apart from its competitors.
Are there any challenges to going green
While there are many benefits to using green data center technologies, there are also some challenges that businesses need to be aware of.
The first challenge is that making the switch can be expensive. This is because businesses need to update their IT equipment and install new technologies. They may also need to make changes to their buildings and infrastructure.
Another challenge is that not all green data center technologies are created equal. Some are more expensive than others, and not all of them are as efficient as they claim to be.
Businesses need to do their research before making the switch to ensure that they’re getting the best deal possible.
Occasionally it can be difficult to find qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about green data center technologies. This can lead to delays in implementing these technologies and increased costs.
In order to overcome these challenges, businesses should:
- Make a detailed plan for transitioning to green data centers
- Invest in high-quality, energy-efficient IT equipment
- Work with qualified professionals who understand green data center technologies
Going green is worth it for your business
Green data centers are becoming more and more popular as businesses become more aware of the benefits they offer.
There are many reasons to make the switch, including reduced costs, improved brand image and customer loyalty, and reduced environmental impact.
While there are some challenges associated with making the switch to green data centers, these can be overcome with a little planning and effort.
Overall, if you do it properly, having a green data center is great for business.
For more information about data centers head to our info hub, or check out everything you need to know about data center power.