An effort is underway to harmonize certain energy-efficiency standards. Could global standardization ultimately diminish the technical effectiveness of such standards? Which will emerge as the de facto standards? This session will explore these questions, as well in data center efficiency and sustainability guidelines.
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How green standards are changing data center design and operations
1. GREEN STANDARDS &
DATA CENTER DESIGN AND
OPERATIONS
John Peterson
PE, PMP, CEM, LEED AP BD+C
HP Critical Facilities Services
2. Agenda
• Data Center Green Standards
• Government Efforts
–Energy Star, Dept of Energy
• Building Rating Systems
–LEED
• Industry
–ASHRAE, ISO
• Hallmarks of a “Green” data center
2
4. Key attributes of EO 13514
Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
4
Builds upon past policy & regulatory framework:
Energy Independence & Security Act, EO
13423, and Energy Policy Act 2005
Defined Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions (e):
• Scope 1 – direct GHG-e from sources owned or
controlled by a Federal agency.
• Scope 2 – direct GHG-e resulting from generation of
electricity, heat, or steam purchased by a Federal
agency.
• Scope 3 – GHG-e from sources not owned or directly
controlled by a Federal agency but related to agency
activities such as vendor supply chains, delivery
services, employee travel and commuting.
5. Enterprise Greenhouse Gas Programs
Carbon Disclosure Project
(CDP)
The Climate Registry
(TCR)
Climate Action Reserve
(CAR)
Global reporting Initiative
(GRI)
EPA Climate Leaders
VOLUNTAR
Y
Regional Greenhouse
Gas Initiative (RGGI)
Reduce GHG by 10% from
power sector by 2018
EPA Mandatory Reporting
GHG Rule (2010)
Facilities > 25000 MT GHG
submit annual report
REGULATOR
Y
2010 California AB-32
Reduce GHG by 2020
to 1990 levels
EU Emission Trading
Scheme (EU ETS)
UK Carbon reduction
Commitment (UK CRC)
Reduce GHG by 80% in 2050
Vs 1990
National Greenhouse and
Energy Reporting
Streamlining protocol
International Regulatory & Policy Gaining Momentum
6. • Based on actual as-billed energy data
• Serves as a whole building indicator
• Peer group comparison of data center’s energy
performance
• Mix of fuels
• ENERGY STAR label to data centers with a
rating of 75 or higher (scale of 0-100)
• 39 data centers certified to date (June 2013)
ENERGY STAR certification for data
centers
6
7. ENERGY STAR - Portfolio Manager
7
• New version
coming out
July 10, 2013
8. 8 HP Confidential
ENERGY STAR rating/certification
Data Submission
for Potential certification
Step-4
Initiation
4 weeks
Step-1
Rating Initiation:
• Send proposal to client
• Decision to apply for Energy
Star rating.
• Define Energy Star rating
objectives
• Define Energy Star rating scope
• Determine key client
information: name, site, location
• Determine key technical
information: building area, data
center area, other spaces area
• Client approval
• Select certification team
• Notify the team to perform the
facility survey and data
collection
Rating Preparation:
• Verify eligibility
• Read service data sheet and
service delivery guide
• Define Survey date and
duration.
• Request facility Electrical &
Mechanical documents
• Utility bills –current/past 12
months or next 12 months
• Conduct preliminary data
analysis
• Understand preliminary elect.
& mechanical subsystems
• Understand metering
requirements
Execution:
• Site Visit and kick-off
meeting/presentation
• Educate the client about the
process & interview
• Conduct initial walk-through &
ensure as-built condition
• Define building total energy
• Define data center total IT
loads/UPS output
• Determine mechanical loads
power panels or if any is on UPS
• Determine/Verify energy
metering for total building and
data center
• Install energy meters in
designated locations if
necessary
Data submission:
• Create an account in portfolio
manager
• Submit all required monthly
energy data for the building and
the data center
• If rating is >75%; apply for
Energy Star
• Generate energy use statement
• Populate all data in the report
template
• Certify, Stamp and Finalize and
submit to Energy Star
• Handover portfolio manager
account after training to client for
future management
• If rating is <75%; implement
ECMs and re-apply.
Preparation
Step-2
Execution
Step-3
6 WEEKS-1 year +
9. DoE On-line Profiling Tool: Data Center Pro
9
INPUTS
• Description
• Utility bill data
• System information
• IT
• Cooling
• Power
• On-site gen
OUTPUTS
• Overall picture of
energy use and
efficiency
• End-use breakout
• Potential areas for
energy efficiency
improvement
• Overall energy use
reduction potential
10. DC Profiler Tool
To download the DC Profiler tool:
http://ecenter.ee.doe.gov/EM/tools/Documents/DCPro_Downloadable_InstallInstructions.pdf
10
11. DoE- Air Management Energy Assessment Tool
• Air management recommendations
(actions)
• Potential for reducing the supply airflow rate
• Potential for increasing the supply air
temperature
• Estimates of the % energy reduction for
supply fans and chillers
The AM-Tool is a free Excel tool
for assessing the data center air-
management status and
providing actions and energy
savings.
11
12. To download tool and documentation
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow/dc_pro.html
Unit Program Step
AHU Airflow cfm Step 1 AHU
AHU Supply Air Temperature F Step 1 AHU
AHU Return Air Temperature F Step 1 AHU
Equipment Temperature Rise F Step 2 Equip
Equipment Airflow cfm Step 2 Equip
Number of Equipment Units - Step 2 Equip
Equipment Power W Step 2 Equip
IT-Equipment Intake Temperature F Step 3 RCI
Typical Max IT-Equipment Intake
Temperature
F Step 4 Main Input
Typical Min IT-Equipment Intake
Temperature
F Step 4 Main Input
Recommended IT-Equipment Intake
Temperature Range
F Step 4 Main Input
Allowable IT-Equipment Intake
Temperature Range
F Step 4 Main Input
OUTPUTS
• Provide air-
management
recommendations
• Estimate the
potential for reducing
supply airflow rate
and increasing
supply air
temperature
• Estimate the
percentage of energy
reduction for fans
and chillers
DoE AM Tool-Required Inputs
12
INPUTS
• Air-handler unit data for
calculating Return
Temperature Index
(RTI) (energy metric)
• IT-equipment data for
calculating the RTI
metric
• IT-equipment intake
temperatures for
calculating Rack
Cooling Index (RCI)
(equipment cooling
metric)
• Main input with
questions for
determining energy
savings and
recommendations
13. DoE Electrical Assessment Tool
To download the tool and user manual
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/datacenters/docs/dcpro_eat.xls
Designed to help assess the potential savings from efficiency actions in the
electrical power chain of a data center
INPUTS
• Basic configuration and
efficiency information on
electrical system
components such as
transformers, generators, un
interruptible power supply
(UPS), power distribution
unit (PDU) devices, and
lighting
• Energy use of electrical
systems
OUTPUTS
• Estimate potential
savings
for various electrical
system efficiency actions.
• UPS efficiency
comparison /
benchmarking
• Energy efficiency metrics
13
14. DoE Assessment Process
14
Process Step Current Tools/Resources
1. Use DC Pro Profiling tool for preliminary assessment. Complete on-line survey of profiling
tool.
Profiling Tool
2. Hold kickoff conference call to review goals and scope; Identify needed information and
documents
Use report from Profiling tool
as a discussion prompter
3. Compile existing information from drawings, trend logs, etc. Enter available information into
tools/worksheets
Assessment Tools or
Worksheets
4. On-site meeting with all stakeholders: Site tour (if needed) / Overview presentation (if
needed) / Review, confirm and document efficiency actions to be studied, metrics to be
analyzed, and measurement plan (assign roles and responsibilities)
Assessment Tools or
Worksheets
5. Conduct on-site measurements as needed to complete inputs for assessment tools.
Assessment Tools or
Worksheets
6. Estimate savings for actions in each assessment area: Electrical power chain / IT
equipment and software / Air Management / HVAC / On-site generation (Can be done off-site)
Assessment Tools
7. Estimate costs for each action in conjunction with site personnel (can be done off-site)
8. Compile assessment report and present to site Report Template
9. Provide report to DOE (sanitized if necessary, and if site approves) and provide feedback
on overall assessment process
1wk2wk1wk3wk
14
15. DoE Master List of Actions
To download the master list of actions “energy conservation measures”
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/manufacturing/datacenters/pdfs/data_center_actions_list.pdf
15
16. Building Rating Systems
Sustainable Building Rating Systems Development Basis
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental
Assessment
Method)
Original
BREEAM Canada BREEAM
BREEAM Green Leaf BREEAM, Green Leaf™
Calabasas LEED LEED®
CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building
Environmental
Efficiency)
Original
CEPAS (Comprehensive Environmental Performance Assessment
Scheme)
LEED®, BREEAM, HK-BEAM, IBI
Earth Advantage Commercial Buildings (Oregon) Undisclosed
EkoProfile (Norway) Undisclosed
ESCALE Undisclosed
GBTool Original
EPC for Data Centers (developed by California Energy
Commission and LBNL)*
GEM (Global Environmental Method) For Existing Buildings
(Green Globes) –
LEED®
UK Green Globes Canada
GOBAS (Green Olympic Building Assessment System) CASBEE, LEED®
Green Building Rating System – Korea BREEAM, LEED®, BEPAC
Green Globes Canada BREEAM Green Leaf
Green Globes™ US Green Globes Canada
Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program Original
Green Star Australia BREEAM, LEED®
HK BEAM (Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment
Method)
BREEAM
HQE (High Environmental Quality) Undisclosed
iDP(Integrated Design Process) Original
Labs21 Original
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Original
LEED Canada LEED®
LEED India LEED®
LEED Mexico LEED®
MSBG (The State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines)
'98, and BREEAM
LEED®, Green Building Challenge
NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) Undisclosed
PromisE Undisclosed
Protocol ITACA GBTool
SBAT (Sustainable Buildings Assessment Tool) Original
Scottsdale's Green Building Program Undisclosed
SPiRiT (Sustainable Project Rating Tool) LEED®
TERI Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment Original
TQ Building Assessment System (Total Quality Building
Assessment
System)
Original
* The only rating system specifically developed for data center projects
Most common rating systems
are LEED, BREEAM and
Green Globes
16
17. U.S. GBC LEED Introduction
17
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) - recognized
as the most prominent third-party green building certification system in
the US and derivations are widely used abroad.
• LEED basics:
• concise framework for measurable green building performance, including:
energy savings, water efficiency, construction methods, building materials,
and more.
• can be applied to any building type, from residential homes to office
buildings to hospitals to data centers.
• 4 levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
• The latest release, Version 3, was released on April 27, 2009.
• Future versions are consensus based, transparent, ongoing development
cycle.
• LEED certification leads to:
• Lower operating costs Increased asset value Reduce landfill waste
• Conserve energy and water Healthier and safer environments for occupants
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
• Demonstrates a commitment by the owner toward a more efficient, environmentally-
friendly future.
18. LEED Adaptations for Data Centers
New Construction Energy and Atmosphere
• EA prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems (NC)
• EA prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance (NC)
• EA credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance (NC)
• EA credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning (NC)
• EA credit 5: Measurement and Verification (NC)
Existing Buildings Energy and Atmosphere
• EA prerequisite 1: Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices – Planning, Documentation and Opportunity Assessment (EB)
• EA credit 2.1: Existing Building Commissioning – Investigation and Analysis (EB)
• EA credit 3.1: Performance Measurement – Building Automation System (EB)
New Construction Water Efficiency (NEW CREDIT)
• EA credit #: Cooling Tower Water Management (NC)
18
Final Modified / Added Credits
Certified: 40 – 49 pts
Silver: 50 – 59 pts
Gold: 60 – 79 pts
Platinum: 80+ pts
Total Possible Points=110
19. LEED Changes – 2013
23 credits have
substantive
changes upcoming
19
Version 4
20. LEED Changes – 2013
Energy performance:
Determine PUE
5% improvement in design; 2% of
the 5% is to be from
infrastructure
ASHRAE 90.1-2010
20
Version 4
21. PUE Usage and public reporting guidelines
Guidance on topics:
• Data Collection and Metrics Calculations
• Reporting Result Timescale and Data Collection Details
• Reporting Results to The Green Grid
• Common Issues with Reporting or Interpreting PUE
• Infrastructure vs. IT
• Power vs. Energy
• “Better-than-Perfect” PUE Measurements
• Comparing Results Calculated over Different Timeframes at Different Granularity Levels
• Comparing PUE Results Between Data Centers
21
22. 22
Plus CUE, WUE, ERE, ERF….and Data Center Maturity Model “DCMM”
PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness)
Emergency
generator
Utility
transformer
PUE Total data center energy from all fuels (kWh)
Total IT energy (kWh)
Main
power
House
power
Misc.
power
ITpower
In
Mech.
power
Total data
center energy
House
energy
=
Data
center
Main
service
PP-Gen
service
Lighting
panel
Generator
block
Heaters &
lighting
Lighting,
Exit
lights,
BMS,
EPMS &
security
House
panels
UPS
STS
PDUs
RPPs
Mech. Swgear
Data center
CRAC units,
AHUs, Chillers
& Dry coolers
Fuel
Misc. support Mech. supportPower
ToIT
IT-critical
load
District
chilled water
District
steam
Natural gas
CO2
NOx
Total Direct Water
Consumption
Fuel
ER
F
ER
E
Total data
center
energy
CUE
WUE
23. 23
ENERGY STAR Rating Vs. PUE
≤ 1.5
Monitoring/Measurement Requirements
• 1–49: Low cost operational changes + improving IT
efficiency + lowering the heat load +reductions to the
cooling load
• 50–74: Simple, low-cost changes + equipment upgrades
• 75–100: ENERGY STAR certification
24. • 100,000 square foot, tier 4 data
center
• 10 MW IT load
• LEED Silver
• Detailed energy modeling
• Base case and proposed
energy end uses (demand and
annual)
LEED Example: Global Bank – New Data Center
25. 25
LEED Example: Global Bank continued
Page 6
Performance Rating Table
Baseline Building Energy Summary by End Use
Energy Peak Energy Peak Energy
KWHx000,000 kW x000 106
Btu 106
Btuh 106
Btu 106
Btuh %
Interior Lighting Electricity 0.78 1.38 2662.14 4.71 2% 4163.86 8.16 2% 36.07%
Interior Lighting (Process) Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Exterior Lighting Electricity 0.08 0.04 273.04 0.14 0% 477.82 0.00 0% 42.86%
Space Heating (fuel 1) Natural Gas 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Space Heating (fuel 2) Electricity 2.13 1.55 7269.69 5.29 2% 6757.74 5.87 2% -7.58%
Space Cooling Electricity 10.26 13.73 35017.38 46.85 20% 102253.48 203.01 60% 65.75%
Pumps Electricity 8.36 37.67 28532.68 128.53 55% 443.69 0.00 0% -6330.77%
Heat Rejection Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Fans - Interior Electricity 7.82 10.96 26689.66 37.40 16% 79147.47 108.50 32% 66.28%
Fans - Parking Garage Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Service Water Heating (fuel 1) Natural Gas 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Service Water Heating (fuel 2) Electricity 2.37 3.25 8088.81 11.09 5% 8088.81 11.06 3% 0.00%
Receptacle Equipment Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Refrigeration (food, etc.) Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Cooking (commercial, fuel 1) Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Cooking (commercial, fuel 2) Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
Elevators and Escalators Electricity 0 0 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00 0.00 0% 0.00%
31.8 68.58 108533.4 233.99496 100% 201332.87 336.59006 100% 46.09%
Note: Energy Consumption is listed in units ofsite energy
106
Btu = kWh x 3.413 x 1000 103
Btu = therms / 100
Performance Rating Method Compliance Report
Total Building Consumption
Baseline BuildingProposed Building
Energy Type
Process
End Use
• 46% reduction in annual energy use for infrastructure systems (as compared to
ashrae energy standard 90.1)
• 41% annual water savings (as compared to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 )
• Improved ventilation rates by 32% (compared to ASHRAE Std. 62.1)
26. ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Compliance options
Energy code compliance options
• Prescriptive option
• Trade-off option
• Energy cost budget
Most compliant options are Trade-off option
Select approved addenda
• Demand control ventilation requirements
• Fan power limitations
• Alternative compliance path for water-cooled chillers
with VFD/efficient part load performance
28 addenda identified as energy-related
Mandatory Provisions
• Minimum HVAC equipment efficiency
• Load calculations
• Controls
• Construction & insulation
Overall impact: higher efficiencies, thermal
performance, and documentation
30% Energy progress
• 6 prototypes in 17 climate zones, based on 2004
• More prototypes to be examined
• Envelope R-values increase
Results are preliminary
26 HP Confidential
27. ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Appendix G Impacts
Clarifying existing items
• Ventilation cfm of proposed = baseline
• Exception – EQc2 increased ventilation doesn’t
change baseline
• Purchased CHW now covered
Summary: Eliminating confusion for calcs
Data Center economizer exceptions
• 3 MMBtuh with or without central plant
• 0.6 MMBtuh or less being added to existing building
• 0.6 MMBtuh or less with central plant
• Local authority prohibits cooling towers
Summary: Only small data centers meet
exemption criteria
Water-side items
• VFD required on pump motors >10 HP
• Maximum flows per pipe sizes
• Heat exchanger test procedure
• Pump head calcs required
Summary: More stringent requirements to
increase efficiency
Air-side items
• Exhaust air energy recover exception: flammable
• Two new baseline systems 10 & 11
• Supply resets
• Demand control ventilation
Summary: Greater efficiency on most air
systems
27
28. 28 HP Confidential
TC 9.09 recommendations at computer equipment air intakes
ASHRAE: Indoor Temperature and Moisture Levels
MAXIMUM
80°F dry-bulb
67°F wet-bulb
60°F dew point
MINIMUM
65°F dry-bulb
53°F wet-bulb
43°F dew point
Alternate Description Dry Bulb (°F)
Relative
Humidity (%)
W et Bulb (°F) Dew Point (°F)
Chilled W ater
Supply Temp
Condenser
W ater
Supply Temp
(for W SE)
Maximum
Outdoor W et
Bulb Temp (for
W SE)
70F SA Conditions - Low Humidity 70.0 37.6 54.9 43.0
70F SA Conditions - High Humidity 70.0 58.9 60.6 55.0
72F SA Conditions - Low Humidity 72.0 35.1 55.7 43.0
72F SA Conditions - High Humidity 72.0 61.4 63.0 58.0
75F SA Conditions - Low Humidity 75.0 31.8 56.9 43.0
75F SA Conditions - High Humidity 75.0 59.6 65.1 60.0
80F SA Conditions - Low Humidity 80.0 26.9 58.8 43.0
80F SA Conditions - High Humidity 80.0 50.5 66.7 60.0
#1
#2
#3
#4
58.0
60.0
63.0
68.0
56.0
58.0
61.0
66.0
42.0
44.0
47.0
52.0
29. 50001 – Energy Management System
• Designed to be used independently, yet can be aligned or integrated
with other management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and environmental
(ISO 14001). Applicable to all organizations.
• Requires an organization to establish, implement, maintain, and improve
an energy management system, enabling systematic achievement of
continual improvement in energy performance, energy efficiency, and
energy conservation.
• Imposes requirements on energy supply and consumption:
− Measurement
− Documentation and reporting
− Design and procurement practices for
energy-using equipment and systems
− Processes and personnel
• Applies to all factors that can be monitored and influenced by the
organization to affect energy use.
• Does not prescribe specific performance criteria with respect to energy.
International Organization for Standardization ISO
29 HP Confidential
30. Hallmarks of a “Green” data center
• Standards/Metrics for whole building performance
• Demand for high temperature server operation will continue, changing the way
data centers are designed
• Advances in using outdoor air for cooling will dramatically reduce energy use
• Based on industry design criteria and best practices, Climate and geography
leveraged to minimize GHG emissions
• Facility responds to site constraints and advantages
• Designed using rigorous whole-building energy modeling
• Optimization of energy and water use
• Life cycle approach used in decision making
• Thorough and transparent reporting of energy use – Energy &
Sustainability Management (ESM)
30
Editor's Notes
Since 2005, the data center market has matured significantly with respect to an overall understanding of the drivers of energy efficiency. Several private organizations in the United States and Canada (ASHRAE, Green Grid, Green Globes) and worldwide (CIBSE, Japan CASBEE, Australia Green Star) have developed robust standards and criteria aimed at making buildings and data centers more energy and water efficient. These standards and criteria work well in developing a decision-making framework in both new data center design and retrofit projects. The release of the standards and metrics is timely as we begin to see a proliferation of local, state, and federal energy-efficiency guidelines and programs.
So many standards that apply to data centers that IT must keep up with. Good news is that they are gaining traction.Going from left to right, top row:EPA Energy Star Rating and certification has METRICS in Server performance rating & Energy star labelData enter performance benchmarkingLeed Certification for data centers looks atSustainable SitesWater EfficiencyEnergy and AtmosphereMaterials and ResourcesIndoor Environmental QualityInnovation in DesignFederal Energy Management program showcases Best practices at Federal data centersPilot adoption of Best-in-class guidelines at Federal data centersAdoption of to-be-developed industry standard for Best-in-class at newly constructed Federal data centersIndustry ConsortiumToolsMetricsTrainingBest practice informationBest-in-class guidelinesIT work productivity standard As an example, Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, signed by President Obama Oct. 5, 2009, outlines a mandate for reducing energy consumption, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. federal facilities. While it also presents requirements for reductions for items other than buildings (vehicles, electricity generation, etc.), the majority of the order is geared toward the built environment. Related to data centers specifically, and the impact that technology use has on the environment, there is a dedicated section on electronics and data processing facilities. An excerpt from this section states, “ [Agencies should] promote electronics stewardship, in particular by implementing best management practices for energy-efficient management of servers and federal data centers.”
Since 2005, the data center market has matured significantly with respect to an overall understanding of the drivers of energy efficiency. Several private organizations in the United States and Canada (ASHRAE, Green Grid, Green Globes) and worldwide (CIBSE, Japan CASBEE, Australia Green Star) have developed robust standards and criteria aimed at making buildings and data centers more energy and water efficient. These standards and criteria work well in developing a decision-making framework in both new data center design and retrofit projects. The release of the standards and metrics is timely as we begin to see a proliferation of local, state, and federal energy-efficiency guidelines and programs. So many standards that apply to data centers that IT must keep up with. Good news is that they are gaining traction.Going from left to right, top row:Over 3,000 organizations in some 60 countries around the world now measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, water management and climate change strategies through CDP, in order that they can set reduction targets and make performance improvements. This data is made available for use by a wide audience including institutional investors, corporations, policymakers and their advisors, public sector organizations, government bodies, academics and the public.
Although the Executive Order is written specifically for U.S. federal agencies, the broader data center industry also is entering the next era of energy and resource efficiency: strongly encouraged or compulsory reductions in resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Data Center Energy Efficiency Initiative is an example of a program that will quickly gain momentum in the private sector by showing business value similar to the other Energy Star programs. This program is designed to raise the energy-efficiency bar as the portfolio of data centers is updated; only facilities in the top 25% can achieve an Energy Star rating. So as more facilities earn higher energy ratings, the top 25% will be reserved for only the best of the best. Background: Originally started as an international standard for energy efficientconsumer products originated in the United States of America. It was first created as a United States government program during the early 1990s, but Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union have also adopted the program. In 2006 the Energy Star standard was expanded to include an Energy Star performance Rating for buildings such as new homes, commercial and industrial buildings. In June, 2010 the Energy Star Performance for industrial buildings was expanded to include data centers as well. Covers stand-alone data centers, as well as data centers housed within office or other buildingsObjectives and criteriaBased on actual as-billed energy data.Serves as a whole building indicatorAssesses performance at the building level to explain how a building performs, not why it performs a certain way.Captures the interactions of building systems not individual equipment efficiency.Tracks energy use accounting for weather and operational changes over time.Peer group comparisonCompares a building’s energy performance to its national peer groupAllows owners with multiple facilities to compare performance across a portfolio of buildings.Mix of fuels: Site Energy : Energy consumption expressed on utility bills. Includes combination of primary and secondary energy, which are not directly comparable. Some heat and electricity comes from fuels burned on-site (e.g. natural gas), while some comes from fuels burned off-site (e.g. district chilled water)Source Energy: Traces on-site consumption back to energy content of primary fuels. Accounts for the losses in conversion from primary to secondary energy (which can occur either on-site or at a utility)
The DC Pro software tool suite, which includes: A web-based profiling tool Separate Excel-based assessment tools for Air Management,HVAC, electrical syatems, and IT-equipment These tools are not a substitute for a detailed “investment grade” audit. They provide estimates of savings for various measures, but actual savings may vary based on site-specific conditions that are not addressed in the tools.
Another highly anticipated program that will help the data center design and construction industry achieve energy and water efficiency is coming from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Data Centers is available for second public comment through July 2011. It is based on the current LEED standards, Green Building Design and Construction and Green Building Operations and Maintenance, but has credit modifications that customize it solely for use in data center facilities. The credits in the new standard have a strong focus on energy efficiency, reducing cooling tower water use, measurement and verification of power and cooling systems, and commissioning. Once this program is released for public use, achieving LEED certification will only be possible after following a rigorous and thorough process.
Design for the highest internal air temperature allowable that will not cause the computers’ internal fans to run at excessive speeds or create electrical leakage in the computers. The ASHRAE supplement to the Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments (ASHRAE 2004), called 2008 ASHRAE Environmental Guidelines for Datacom Equipment - Expanding the Recommended Environmental Envelope recommends an upper dry-bulb limit of 80 F for the air used to cool the computers. If this temperature is used (and even higher temperatures in the near future), the hours for economization will be increased; when vapor compression (mechanical) cooling is used, the elevated temperatures will result in lower compressor power. However, the onboard fans in the servers will typically begin to increase speed and draw in more air to maintain the temperature of the server’s internal components at an acceptable level. Also, depending on the internal heat sink specification, electrical leakage will begin to occur at elevated temperatures, eroding away some of the energy savings. Unless the internal thermal management algorithms are modified, there will be diminishing energy returns as more power is required for the fans in the servers when the data center supply air temperature exceeds 80 F. The exception to this is if an economizer is used on the cooling system, providing cooling air beyond 80 F without any compressor power
ISO 50001 is a newly developed international standard for an energy management system (EnMS). ISO 50001:2011 (the first and current version) provides a framework for establishing energy management best practice to help organisations to improve their energyefficiency in a logical, controlled and systematic way.ISO 50001 has been structured to align with other popular industry management system standards such as those for quality, health & safety and environmental management. Organisations can thus, if appropriate, integrate an energy management system (EnMS) withtheir existing management system(s).
Standards/Metrics will include whole building performance, including water use and source energy reporting“Carbon Dioxide Equivalent” reduction strategies will reinforce dematerialization of data center facilitiesDemand for high temperature server operation will continue, changing the way data centers are designedAdvances in using outdoor air for cooling will dramatically reduce energy use Based on industry design criteria and best practices, Climate and geographyleveraged to minimize GHG emissionsFacility responds to site constraints and advantagesDesigned using rigorous whole-building energy modelingOptimization of energy and water useLife cycle approach used in decision makingThorough and transparent reporting of energy use