Data centers are the backbone of the internet in today’s fast-paced digital world, allowing us to store, process, and access data from anywhere, at any time. The energy consumption of data centers, on the other hand, is cause for concern. According to the International Energy Agency (“IEA”) estimated in 2022, global electricity usage for data centers was around 460 Terawatt-hour (“TWh”) or up to 2% of total consumption worldwide.In addition, the IEA forecasted that global electricity consumption by data centers (including artificial intelligence) could double by 2026, reaching between 620 and 1,050 TWh.

Green data centers are emerging as a solution to the growing need for sustainability and carbon footprint reduction. A green data center is designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible while still providing the computing power required to meet our needs.

According to White Paper written on Indonesia “Green Data Center” in 2022, the concept of Green data Center is part of the movement towards preserving nature and environment and mitigating the impact of climate change, which we have been increasingly experiencing during the last 2 decades.

In this article, we will look at green data centers and their various advantages. This article is for you if you are a business owner, an IT professional, or simply someone interested in sustainability. So, let’s get started.

What basically is a Green Data Center?

A green data center is a type of data center that is designed and operated with the goal of reducing its environmental impact. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as using energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources, implementing recycling and waste reduction programs, and implementing measures to improve the overall energy efficiency of the data center.

One key aspect of a green data center is the use of energy-efficient equipment, such as servers and storage devices that have been designed to consume less energy than traditional equipment. This can be accomplished through the use of technologies such as virtualization, which allows multiple servers to be consolidated onto a single piece of hardware, or through the use of specialized power management tools that can help to reduce the amount of energy consumed by the data center.

Another important aspect of a green data center is the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind power, to generate electricity. This can help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the data center, and can also help to reduce the overall cost of operating the data center.

In addition to these measures, green data centers may also implement recycling and waste management programs, as well as other measures such as the use of energy-efficient cooling systems, to further reduce their environmental impact.

Overall, a green data center is designed to minimize its environmental impact while still providing the necessary computing power and storage capacity for the organization that relies on it. Implementing these strategies can not only help organizations meet their sustainability goals, but also bring cost savings in energy consumption and can increase the reliability and uptime of the data center itself.

Read more: The Role of Green Data Center in a Safe and Environmentally Friendly Smart City

Why is a Green Data Center Needed by the Industries?

1. Environmental Impact

As we mentioned previously, data centers are known to consume a large amount of energy that heavily contributes to carbon emissions, pollution, and any other environmental damage, due to its complex IT infrastructure and facilities. 

Green data centers offer an environmentally friendly system and operation that may reduce these impacts significantly in the long run by using renewable energy resources, energy-saving technologies, and sustainable practices.

Read more: Facing Challenges in Building a Green Data Center

2. Cost Savings

Building a traditional data center involves significant expenses to ensure compliance with various standards and procedures. According to the World Bank and ITU, these centers are typically designed for a flood risk of just 0.2%, but climate change has increased that risk to 1%.

While building a green data center may require a higher initial investment, the return on investment (ROI) can be substantially greater. Green data centers reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency, particularly during downtime and natural disasters that are increasingly likely to occur.

3. Compliance

Governments and organizations are increasingly implementing regulations and guidelines aimed at reducing the environmental impact of data centers. These measures are designed to promote sustainability and encourage responsible resource management. 

By adopting a green data center, organizations can not only ensure compliance with these regulations but also demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. This proactive approach helps them avoid potential penalties or fines while positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability within their industry.

4. Brand Reputation

Aside from technical and financial aspects, green data centers can enhance brand reputation by creating a positive image and fostering local communities. This is achieved by demonstrating awareness and care for the environment through thoughtful actions.

When data centers adopt environmentally friendly practices, they not only attract customers who share these values, but they also foster deeper connections that drive brand loyalty. This loyalty can translate into higher retention rates, ensuring long-term success and a thriving community around.

5. Future Proofing

As climate change urgency increases, businesses are adopting green practices to ensure future sustainability. Not only do these practices promise a high return on investment (ROI), but they also provide competitive advantages in the market.

In summary, implementing a green data center is essential for reducing the environmental impact of data operations. It also helps achieve cost savings, comply with regulations, enhance brand reputation, and future-proof the business.

EDGE DC : A Green Data Center in Indonesia

EDGE DC is a sustainable data center that champions a circular economy through its operations and infrastructure development. This commitment aligns perfectly with the principles of a green data center—designed and operated to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Our latest facility, EDGE2, embodies these sustainability practices by utilizing renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and promoting recycling within our environment. 

We also employ high-quality equipment, including innovative cooling technology, to support high power density deployments. This approach allows us to achieve a market-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), making EDGE2 the most energy-efficient data center in the Jakarta metro area. Join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future. Contact us today to learn how partnering with EDGE DC can enhance your operations while supporting environmental responsibility.

Read more: EDGE2 Data Center Grand Launch Ceremony in Jakarta