IT departments can now purchase green servers rated by the
Energy Star programme, which produces energy ratings for white
goods like fridges.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which
runs the programme, on average,
computer servers that earn the Energy Star label will be 30%
more energy efficient than standard servers.
The EPA said that if all servers sold in the US
meet this specification, energy cost savings would grow to $800
million per year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to
those from more than 1 million vehicles.
Energy Star looks at efficient power supplies that generate less
waste heat,
reducing the need for excess air conditioning and capabilities
to measure real-time power use,
processor utilisation and air temperature.
Server manufacturers welling Energy Star rated products will
need to provide IT purchasers with power and performance data
sheets.