Data center efficiency metrics standardized

The Dept. of Energy (DOE) has joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry leaders to announce a breakthrough agreement on energy efficiency measurements, metrics, and reporting conventions for data center facilities. There has been no standard approach for such key issues as how to measure energy usage, where to take the measurements, and how frequently to do the measuring.

March 1, 2010

The Dept. of Energy (DOE) has joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry leaders to announce a breakthrough agreement on energy efficiency measurements, metrics, and reporting conventions for data center facilities. There has been no standard approach for such key issues as how to measure energy usage, where to take the measurements, and how frequently to do the measuring.

As a result, data center operators have difficulty identifying energy usage problems as well as potential solutions.

The new agreement provides guiding principles for data center operators to gauge energy use and create opportunities for improved energy performance. By providing clear direction for data center energy management, the groups participating in the agreement hope to spur data center operators to improve their measurement practices leading to higher efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Visit the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy website, www.eere.energy.gov , for more information.