Technology is being tested that allows heat generated by
computers to warm offices and homes.
IBM has launched a trial in Switzerland that could see the heat
produced by large datacentres being recycled to heat offices.
The three-year trial of the Aquarsar system could reduce carbon
emissions by 85% because of lower demand for central heating, and
less energy being needed to cool processors inside PCs.
Datacentres are responsible for a large share of global energy
consumption. This is growing as use of the internet grows and
developing countries strengthen their technology industries and
infrastructures.
The Guardian reported that in 2005 datacentres were responsible
for 1% of global electricity consumption - double the figure of
five years earlier. The figure is thought to be rising rapidly but
it is not totally clear by how much because companies often will
not disclose how many datacentres they run and how much energy they
use.
Tom Dowdall, green electronics campaign co-ordinator at
Greenpeace, said the IBM trial was a good example of what could be
achieved. But he added there are not enough incentives for
companies to improve the efficiency of their datacentres.
"The main driver for change is the price of electricity because
companies want to cut their bills. But in the last couple of years
the price has fallen. There's no regulation - there should be more
incentives for companies to cut electricity use. This is a good
example but it's not enough."
Market analysis firm Datamonitor says green IT could jump ahead
during the economic downturn.
The company released research showing that flat IT budgets in
2009 have provided a new motivation for cost cutting green
measures.
It said, "Flat IT budget growth means that organisations that
face critical datacentre limitations, such as a shortage of floor
or rack space, are looking to software or outsourcing alternatives
to building new datacentres or upgrading existing facilities."