Green Data in Information Technology

In my previous post, titled ‘Environment Impacts in IT’ discusses about how the IT industries has contributes to global environment (Pollution), from global warming, climate change, ecosystem disruption and many others. Since then, the world has been planning on a more sustainable technology, exploring the drives to shift towards a greener tech industries with efforts to minimize energy consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and manage electric waste sustainably. Thus creates various of Sustainable Technology trends.

One of the 2024 Sustainable Technology trends includes ‘Green Data’ in IT (https://www.profocustechnology.com/general/sustainable-technology-trends-2024/#:~:text=Data%20centers%20are%20the%20backbone,to%20minimize%20their%20carbon%20footprint.). ‘Green Data’ in IT, is a practices and technologies just like its objective of reducing the environmental impact of a Information Technology operations. Here are some key aspects of Green Data in IT:-

• Energy-Efficient Data Centers:
  • Renewable Energy Sources – The use of renewable energy like Solar, hydroelectric power or wind.
  • Cooling Technologies – Utilizing advance cooling system like liquid cooling. This liquid have higher heat transfer coefficient, reduced fan power, higher operating temperature ranges, precision cooling and many other advantages. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-does-liquid-cooling-contribute-energy-efficiency-6ersf/)
  • Server Virtualization – Consolidating multiple virtual servers on fewer physical machines which helps to optimize resource use and reduce power consumption
• Sustainable Hardware
  • E-Waste Management – Proper disposal methods and recycling programs for electronic waste
  • Energy Star Ratings – Using hardware that meets energy star ratings for energy efficiency.

• • Eco – Friendly Materials – Usage of hardware with materials that is eco-friendly and reducing the use of hazardous substances.
• Software Optimization
  • Efficient Code – writing software that requires less processing power and memory
  • Resource Management – Make better use of available resources by optimize applications and reduce idle times.
• Cloud Computing
  • Scalable Resources – Scale resources based on demand, reducing the waste energy on underutilized infrastructure.
• Green IT Policies
  • Corporate Policies – Establishing corporate policies that prioritize IT sustainability in IT operations. In Malaysia, we have an agency, called MyHijau, under Malaysian Green Technology And Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) that is responsible to provide programs and certificates for Green products and services that meet local and international environmental standards under one single mark.

• • Regulatory Compliance – Complies to environmental regulations and standards related to IT operations.
• Telecommuting and Remote Work
  • Virtual Collaboration Tools – Helps to reduce the need of physical office space and commuting, thereby lowering carbon emmissions.
  • Remote Access Technologies – Similar to virtual collaboration tools, by implementing secure remote access technologies, enabling employee to work anywhere, reducing the environmental impact on office buildings .

By adapting Green Data practices in IT, It will helps bring benefits to not only the environment but also for businesses. It is cost savvy, consumer and employee confidence (positive brand image), improved reliability (Helps ensure regulatory compliance) and enhanced community relations.