Introduction
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is making waves with its comprehensive approach to reducing energy and water consumption in its data center facilities through innovative methods to make a greener future a reality as detailed in 2023 Amazon Sustainability Report. Looking at their recent Q2 results, AWS had a good quarter with strong investment in data centers, strong cloud numbers, and a continued push in clean power and overall sustainability.
Cool Innovations in Data Centers
AWS is increasing the use of free-air cooling systems. These systems use outside air to cool servers which significantly cuts down on the need for energy-intensive compressor-based cooling systems. During the summer months, AWS data centers employ direct evaporative cooling and use water to lower air temperature and remove heat from servers to stay cool and save energy.
Similarly, Serverfarm’s advanced cooling solutions mean its data centers are water consumption neutral.
Switching to Renewable Diesel
In 2023, AWS began transitioning to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for backup generators at data centers in the U.S. and Europe. This renewable diesel, made from waste cooking oil and other plant-based materials, is a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel.
Serverfarm is transitioning to HVO as a diesel alternative for backup generators as part of a rolling program.
Smart Grids and Intelligent Partnerships
AWS is helping to revolutionize the power grid in collaboration with Duke Energy. AWS has developed smart grid software that can predict energy demand accurately. This allows for smarter decisions about grid upgrades and investments that make the grid more efficient and dependable.
AWS’s efforts in sustainability set a standard for the data center industry with innovative cooling solutions, a commitment to renewable fuels, and smart partnerships.
Serverfarm’s power strategy includes sustainable power purchase agreements, microgrid development using local natural gas and hydrogen combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells along with cleaner energy storage using Nickel Zinc battery storage.
Serverfarm Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Serverfarm’s mission, especially as we continue to scale worldwide. Serverfarm has embraced a model of reusing existing real estate to help eliminate the embodied carbon associated with a standard new construction facility. A report and analysis of our Chicago data center has proved that this sustainability-driven approach can result in a modelled 88% embodied carbon emission reduction.