Working towards a green future is an important movement happening across the globe. As data centers continue to serve as the home to the internet and the infrastructure that supports it, they only become more essential in the global communications green equation. So, it makes sense that we are seeing a growing trend for data centers to do their part in ‘greening up’ in ways both big and small.
Collectively, We Can all Make a Difference
As noted in Todd Cushing’s recent article in Digital Infra Network, “Significant progress can be built on the back of widespread, iterative change — even if those changes start small. Every movement starts somewhere.”
The article explores some areas where many data centers can start their journey. At 1623 Farnam, we have addressed power, cooling and water efficiency as part of our $40M edge data center expansion. One measure deployed is hot aisle containment — a more efficient cooling strategy — and we worked on innovative ways to further optimize power usage throughout the facility.
To further drive sustainability, we have also worked closely with our vendors and partners. One example is our close work with the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to leverage wind power to further reduce power consumption, rather than building out our own chilled water plant. More of that synergy is on the way with OPPD’s recent deal to build an 81MW solar farm, which will be the largest in Nebraska.
We’re not the only ones invested in sustainability. As access to renewables becomes a priority, Google has begun moving its workloads to zones that offer optimized levels of hourly carbon-free energy (CFE) availability. One locale is right outside of 1623 Farnam’s backyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa — fewer than 5 miles from our edge data center. With a high CFE rating of 78%, this indicates it’s a favorable location. This is another great barometer of why 1623 Farnam is an optimal partner in meeting your sustainability goals and offering the ideal location for your workloads.
All in all, there’s a very promising green digital transformation trajectory occurring today. Collectively, by collaborating with our vendors, partners and customers, we can impact this growing sea of green change.
To learn more about how 1623 Farnam addressed power efficiency and other green initiatives within our edge data center, check out Todd Cushing’s article on the Digital Infra Network, HERE.