Enhancing energy efficiency in data centre modernisation

Data centres are the backbone of our digital world, yet they are also large electrical power consumers. This consumption not only leads to high operational costs but also contributes to society's carbon footprint.

Addressing energy efficiency is not just about upgrading to the latest technology; it's about complying with changed market requirements and being more sustainable and cost-effective.

This blog explores the challenges and strategies for enhancing energy efficiency during data centre modernisation. It was created with the assistance of Stijn de Kruijf, who specialises in Data Centre Sustainability and Mission Critical Facilities.

Energy consumption breakdown in data centres

Typically, the largest portion of energy is consumed by the IT equipment itself, primarily servers, which constantly process and store data. Cooling systems, which are crucial for maintaining optimal operating temperatures, also consume a significant amount of energy. Depending on the facility's design, this can include both energy-intensive air conditioning units and water-based cooling solutions.

Additionally, less obvious energy consumers include the lighting of the data centre and any adjacent office spaces, which, although smaller in scale, still contribute to the overall energy footprint. By comprehensively examining these energy factors, we can better prioritise which systems to target for upgrades and efficiency optimisation.

The importance of energy efficiency in data centres

When businesses decide to update their data centres, it’s a chance to save money and improve the entire operation. Making these upgrades is about taking a step back and seeing how to improve the data centre as a whole. This could involve replacing old equipment, introducing new technologies and adding mature monitoring, reporting and control. The goal is to make the centre more efficient, cost-effective, and ready for whatever new challenges come its way.

Implementing comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems provides 24/7 insights into energy usage, enabling continuous optimisation. Automating data collection for these reports not only saves significant manhours but also reduces operational headaches.

With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, reporting to standards such as the EU Code of Conduct on Data Centre Energy Efficiency, the EU Taxonomy Regulations, the EU Energy Directive, and carbon footprint reporting (Scopes 1 and 2) is becoming essential. These reports offer a clear visualisation of a data centre’s energy efficiency, creating a historical data archive that can be leveraged to further enhance sustainable operations.

Strategies for improving energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency in existing data centres requires a holistic approach. This process includes:

• Initial assessment: Begin with a detailed evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools to understand the data centre's current efficiency levels. This step helps pinpoint specific areas needing attention and establishes a baseline for tracking progress over time.
• Tailored upgrade strategies: Depending on the results of the initial assessment, the approach to upgrades should be customised:
  1. Major upgrades: Some data centres may need significant overhauls, like updating cooling and electrical systems, to achieve substantial energy and water savings.
  2. Incremental improvements: Other centres might benefit more from refining airflow management, optimising space utilisation, and improving cooling efficiency to boost overall operations.
• Implementation of upgrades: The tailored upgrade strategies can be implemented during this process stage. This step involves coordinating with relevant teams to ensure the upgrades are carried out efficiently and effectively. If minimising downtime is important for your data centre operations, special attention needs to be given to this phase to ensure the business continues uninterrupted.
• Monitoring and maintenance: After implementing the upgrades, continuously monitoring ensures effective improvements. Implementing predictive monitoring can help signal abnormalities before they impact the operation.

When implementing this approach to improve energy efficiency, consider the role of technological enhancements. Introducing the latest advancements in mechanical and electrical systems, such as new fan technologies, heat exchangers, energy-efficient lighting, and streamlined data cabling, can significantly boost efficiency.

In addition, in colocation data centres, where tenants own the hardware, facility operators are key to driving energy efficiency. Focusing on enhancing the infrastructure and creating policies that promote eco-friendly practices among tenants can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Optimising data centre efficiency with strategic planning

In the search for enhanced energy efficiency, assuring continuous operation of existing systems during upgrades is fundamental. This allows data centre operations to proceed without interruption as new, more energy-efficient technologies are phased in. The gradual integration of these advancements facilitates ensuring a seamless transition.

Simultaneously, managing upgrades and system replacements requires a thoughtful assessment of the data centre's current energy performance, the scope for enhancements, and a strategic balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals. This comprehensive planning and execution strategy avoids operational disruptions and ensures that new installations are compatible with existing systems. By prioritising these considerations, data centres are prepared for successful expansion or renovation, aligning with present and future needs for sustainability.

Get in touch

Whether you're planning a facility expansion, retrofitting for advanced cooling technologies, or exploring server virtualisation, our team can help you navigate the complexities of modernising your data centre infrastructure. Get in touch with us to learn how we can assist in achieving your energy efficiency and sustainability goals.