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Data centers—the modern digital warehouses—use massive amounts of energy to both power and cool servers.  As hardware costs continue to fall and energy costs continue to rise, it seems only natural that data center operators are focusing their attention on becoming more energy efficient to reduce operating expenses. The EPA recently expanded its Energy Star rating system to include a scale specifically for data centers. NetApp’s RTP center is the first to achieve the certification.  The North Carolina facility earned 99 out of a possible 100 points (only 75 are required for the Energy Star rating),  aided in part by a unique overhead distribution cooling system and cooling with outside air during two-thirds of the year.  These efficient approaches to cooling help the data center reduce energy costs substantially and cut carbon emissions by 95,000 tons per year.  For more information on Energy Star validation for data centers, visit the EPA’s dedicated website: Energy Star Data C ...

Every business needs to optimize its energy use, particularly in a tough economy. A recent McKinsey study, “Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the U.S. Economy,” concluded that energy use in all of our 100 million buildings can be reduced by 23% through an investment of $520 billion in efficiency measures by 2020. These investments would save a combined $1.2 trillion (net present value) and prevent 1.1 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.   While this is a fascinating macro analysis, Sieben has recently completed a set of five studies for clients looking for low cost energy efficiency savings that they could immediately implement. Our engineers identified an average of 7% savings, requiring an $80,000 investment, returning $200,000 per year. On a simple return basis, these clients will earn over 200% on their investment!   Efficiency Street is a new Wall Street, with earnings that just can't be beat. Kudos to our friends at McKinsey for writing an excellent document that shows ...