Sustainable Energy Data Centres: A Holistic Conceptual Framework for Design and Operations

Teresa Murino (), Roberto Monaco, Per Sieverts Nielsen, Xiufeng Liu, Gianluigi Esposito and Carlo Scognamiglio
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Teresa Murino: Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
Roberto Monaco: Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Per Sieverts Nielsen: Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Xiufeng Liu: Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Gianluigi Esposito: Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
Carlo Scognamiglio: Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: Data Centres serve as the foundation for digital technologies in the energy sector, enabling advanced analytics, optimization, and automation. However, their rapid growth can exert a substantial influence on the environment due to their energy consumption, water utilization, and production of electronic waste. This research begins with an energy overview of the setup and operations of data centres, highlighting their key components and infrastructure, and emphasizing their crucial role in managing energy resources and driving the energy sector’s digital technologies. Building upon this understanding, a holistic framework is proposed to tackle energy sustainability concerns in data centres, with a focus on energy-related aspects. The framework places emphasis on three primary sustainability metrics, namely energy efficiency, water consumption, and waste management. It underscores the significance of green building design principles and energy-efficient equipment as crucial constituents of sustainable data centre infrastructure. The framework delineates optimal energy operational best practices encompassing virtualization and consolidation, effective cooling tactics, and energy management and monitoring, all aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy performance. Furthermore, the framework emphasizes the significance of incorporating energy-related sustainability metrics into decision-making procedures and adhering to regulatory standards for energy efficiency. Through adherence to this framework, data centres’ environmental impact can be mitigated and a positive contribution towards a sustainable future can be made, particularly in the realm of energy conservation and optimization.

Keywords: data centres; sustainable IT infrastructure; sustainability; digitalization; energy efficient design; advanced sustainability metrics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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