Going Green to Conserve Energy in the Data Center
Feb. 28, 2007

High-tech consortiums may come and go, usually without much fanfare, but a non-profit group dedicated to finding ways to conserve energy in the data center has opened its doors for business, and I think the event calls for at least a trombone, flugelhorn and a couple of drums.

Founded last spring by 11 IT movers and shakers, including Dell, HP, AMD and IBM, the Green Grid focuses on ways “to lower the overall consumption of power in data centers around the globe.” The Green Grid association plans to accomplish this goal with a three-pronged effort. (See Managing Energy Use in the Data Center)

Green Grid plans to develop “user-centric” models and metrics; create standards, measurement methods and technologies to improve performance; and promote the adoption of energy efficient standards, processes, measurements and technologies.

While the organization hasn't taken a specific stance on global warming, Green Grid says it intends to work with the EPA and acknowledges that increases in energy efficiency are likely to mitigate potential CO2 emissions.

Whatever the motivations of its member companies—be it reducing energy costs in the data center, developing more competitive products, or reducing IT’s overall carbon footprint—Green Grid is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s heartening to see the IT industry take a comprehensive and standards-based approach toward energy conservation.

So I wish the Green Grid success in its endeavor. Every watt its work helps enterprises save, multiplied across the globe, means thousands of barrels of oil and tons of coal that don’t have to be consumed to generate electricity. And that calls for a drum roll.

Posted by Andy Mazer 02.28.07

Previous Blog Posts
01.30.07 - Global Warming in the Data Center
12.02.06 - Open Standards Is for Systems Management Too
11.22.06 - Virtually Ready for Primetime
11.14.06 - Technology No Substitute for Communication
10.16.06 - Running a Data Center? What's Your Problem?