Green IT refers to the approach of making the entire lifecycle of information and communication technology (ICT) more sustainable. This includes the manufacturing, operation, and disposal of IT equipment. The goal is to build an ICT infrastructure that operates in a resource-efficient and energy-efficient manner.
Categories of Green IT
Green IT can be divided into two main areas:
- Green in IT: Technologies and methods to reduce resource and energy consumption in ICT solutions, data centers, and infrastructure.
- Green through IT: The use of ICT to avoid transportation and business trips, for example through video conferences or digital processes, which reduces CO2 emissions.
Green IT in Data Centers
Data centers offer great potential for efficiency improvements. An important key figure is the PUE value (PUE = Power Usage Effectiveness), which measures the ratio of a data center’s total energy consumption to the energy consumption of IT systems. In 2022, the average PUE value was 1.55: This means that 55% of the energy was used for cooling, power distribution, and other building functions, rather than directly for IT operations.
Legal Requirements
The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) came into force in Germany in November 2023. It implements the requirements of the European Energy Efficiency Directive and contains stricter regulations for data centers in Germany. From 2024, data centers must cover 50% of their energy needs from renewable sources, increasing to 100% from 2025. In addition, a PUE value of 1.3 and a waste heat utilization rate gradually increasing from 10% to at least 20% will be targeted for new data centers in the future.
Energy Savings in Data Centers
There are various approaches to saving energy in the data center:
- IT hardware: Use modern and efficient hardware.
- Virtualization: Better utilization and lower energy consumption.
- Climate control: Use of energy-efficient cooling systems such as cold aisle containment, which separates cold and warm air areas.
- Building planning: Optimized construction to support efficient cooling.
Cold aisle containment
The classic air conditioning of the entire room was often inefficient. Modern solutions such as cold aisle containment consistently separate cold and warm air streams, making cooling more efficient. Here, the cold air is directed specifically to the servers, while the warm air is removed. This method reduces energy costs.
Intelligent Cabling
A structured and modular cabling system also contributes to energy savings. Flat cabling systems and compact cable constructions ensure better air circulation and reduce the blockage of ventilation paths in network cabinets. Fiber optic cables, which take up less space and allow for longer transmission distances, are particularly advantageous.
Sustainable Materials and Longevity
High-quality materials and durable designs are essential components of Green IT. They ensure that IT components last longer and thus conserve resources. In addition, durable products reduce the need for frequent replacements and the associated environmental impacts.
Conclusion
Green IT is a holistic approach and consists of a bundle of measures. The goal is to increase sustainability in information technology. Data centers in particular offer many starting points for reducing energy consumption and thus becoming more environmentally friendly. By using efficient technologies and smart solutions, the IT industry can significantly reduce its CO2 footprint while simultaneously lowering operating costs.
