Sustainable IT in Universities and Colleges

19th Jun 2008 00:00

Energy Efficient Configuration, Cooling & Power Supply in Data Centres

Computing and HPC clusters in data centres consume large amounts of electricity directly, and typically may use as much again in cooling, power supply equipment and other ‘overhead’ activities. This is increasingly expensive, creates growing emissions of carbon dioxide, and requires frequent capital investments in electricity infrastructure.

These problems can be overcome through more efficient computers and applications (the subject of a separate workshop); a holistic design that integrates the different cooling and power supply elements; energy efficient layouts; and alternative technical solutions such as free or chilled water cooling. A necessary condition in achieving these solutions is awareness and effective collaboration between Estates and IT departments, and between them and suppliers. This workshop aims to:

Profile a good practice example of these solutions at the University of Cardiff

Highlight other good practice cases within the sector

Build networks between practitioners, both within IT, and between IT and Estates (whose collaboration is essential to achieve effective solutions).