Energy efficiency is a critical factor in the operations of data centers, as they consume between 1% and 3% of the world's energy and account for 0.5% of CO2 emissions, according to Green IT data.
Indicators such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE), and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) have become the sustainability triangle for data centers' efficiency in Latin America, and here is why:
PUE, the pursuit of energy efficiency
PUE is one of the most widely used energy efficiency indicators, as it measures the total energy used in a data center and compares it to the energy used to power the computer equipment (the energy effectively used to operate the machines). The closer the PUE is to 1, the more efficient the data center will be.
A report from Bnamericas indicates that according to the US Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), data centers have an overall average PUE of around 1.8, but infrastructure focused on efficiency typically achieve PUE values of 1.2 or less.
In this regard, many technology companies in Latin America are working to improve their PUE through measures such as server virtualization, implementation of more efficient cooling systems, and the use of renewable energy. For example, at Equinix, the group's annual average global PUE in 2020 was 1.51, down from 1.61 in 2015. At Ascenty, the average PUE of its 19 datacenters in Latin America is currently at 1.48.
At Vertiv, we have the Vertv™ Liebert® EXL™ S1 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, which is known for offering excellent operational efficiency, robust power supply protection, and intelligent connectivity that optimizes performance at partial load and increases cost savings.
There are also DC power solutions that integrate renewables to improve efficiency in information and communications technology (ICT) networks, such as the Vertiv™ NetSure™ 5100 Hybrid -- a fully integrated DC power solution with rectifiers, solar converters, and a intelligent controller, and Vertiv™ NetSure™ Solar Converter Shelf -- a compact -48 VDC solution that can easily be added to an existing telecom DC power plant from any manufacturer.
CUE, assessing carbon emissions
CUE is an indicator of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by a data center per unit of energy used. The lower the CUE, the more efficient the data center is from a carbon emissions perspective. The ideal value is 0.0kg CO per kWh.
Globally, the report from Cushman & Wakefield Energy, Water, Carbon: A new Trinity for measuring Data Center Sustainability, analyzed by Vertiv, shows that data centers account for up to 3.7% of global carbon emissions, ahead of the shipping industry (almost 3%) and the global airline industry (2.5%)
In the pursuit of reducing this carbon footprint, Vertiv’s report Preparing for a Carbon-Free Future shows how data center operators are more interested than ever in investing in power systems that can achieve utilization rates close to 100% and efficiencies up to 99%, maximizing available capacity while minimizing energy losses.
WUE, responsible water use
WUE is a relatively new indicator used to measure the amount of water required by a data center per unit of energy consumed. The lower the WUE, the more efficient the data center is from a water usage perspective.
According to Datacenter Dynamics, reducing water consumption is certainly a desirable goal for data centers that implement evaporative (or adiabatic) cooling, both for sustainability reasons and local regulations.
From Vertiv, effective technologies include the Vertiv™ Liebert® DSE Free Cooling Packaged Solution, a water-free thermal management system that reduces costs and increases economization hours. Each system also saves approximately 6.75 million gallons of water per year.
This sustainability measurement triangle (PUE, CUE, and WUE) helps companies to identify improvement opportunities in their operations and reduce operating costs while promoting sustainability.
However, improving energy efficiency and sustainable resource use in data centers presents several challenges. The constant demand for more data-intensive applications is increasing the focus on the need for energy efficiency and sustainable resource use in data centers. There are a multitude of options to help each unique data center meet their efficiency goals.
Learn more about Vertiv's efforts to support companies in the use of proven technologies that enable them to move toward a sustainable future and reduce dependence on carbon energy sources here.
