Computer Server Energy Consumption Soars
Energy consumed by computer servers has doubled in the last five years in the US and the rising trend looks set to continue, with IT carving out an increasing share of the country's total carbon footprint.
According to figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency, servers now account for 1.5% of the USA's electricity use and the total demand is set to double again by 2011. US tech firm CDW Corporation has published its own report highlighting that while almost all executives responsible for purchasing IT equipment and support list energy efficiency as one of their concerns, far fewer are doing anything to address it.
"While energy efficiency has become a 'motherhood' value in IT - more than 90% of IT buyers say they care about it - there is often much uncertainty about what to do, primarily because good information is severely lacking," said CDW vice president Mark Gambill. "The first step in reducing energy consumption is to know what you are spending, yet more than 40% of technology professionals say they don't see their organisation's energy bill."
European hosting company, Amenworld has also carried out research in this area, timed to coincide with the launch of its own range of energy efficient servers. According to the company, there is a similar gap between thought and action in the UK, with the average server unnecessarily emitting over 600kg of CO2 per year - carbon that could be reduced by optimally locating components to boost cooling airflow through the computers, reducing the system's temperature and the amount of power consumed.
The company compares the industry's carbon footprint to that of aviation, claiming that in Britain alone the preventable carbon footprint of server is equivalent to over 2500 jumbo jets making return flights to India. Olivier Djidjelli, Amen's UK manager, said: "Like other industries, the hosting industry has a role in the global effort to reduce levels of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. "Amenworld is playing its part by offering customers Eco Servers, a more environmentally conscious alternative to hosting."
The British Government also recently announced plans to take action in this area - by putting its own house in order. According to their own figures, IT equipment is responsible for 20% of the carbon emissions generated by Government offices - around 460,000 tonnes a year. Departments have been asked to implement a number of measures which will help make the use of IT equipment carbon neutral within the next four years. These will include the automatic shut down of computers outside the standard eight hour working day and auditing data centres to ensure they are using energy efficient equipment.
Cabinet Office Minister Tom Watson said: "Worldwide, computers are responsible for the same quantity of carbon emissions as the airline industry. It is a serious problem that requires a serious solution. That's why I'm so proud that we are the first Government anywhere in the world to formally set out exactly what we're going to do to make our ICT systems carbon neutral within four years. We won't achieve this just by offsetting but by making serious changes to the way we do business."
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British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
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More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
