Jisc Guide: Improving energy efficiency in your data centre

Designing a solution that works for your particular environment

Most colleges and universities have some sort of data centre. Ever-increasing data storage and processing needs mean that the energy needed to run the computers and to deal with the heat they generate is constantly increasing.

"Data centres use around 8% of electricity consumption in UK universities"

Not everyone can start with a blank sheet and construct a purpose-built, state-of-the-art data centre. That means that for most people, retrofit or adaptation of a less-than-optimal space is the job they have to tackle. This is not always straightforward as less-than-ideal locations (basements, roof spaces) or internal constraints (pillars, load bearing walls, headroom) can make finding a good engineering solution difficult.

However, there is a lot of help available which should enable you to design a solution that works in your particular environment.