Green Data Centers
Saving energy through green innovation
We constantly evaluate the energy efficiency of our data centers, and we’re quick to adopt proven energy-saving technologies or techniques on a global scale. For instance, systems that reduce power use by actively monitoring air flow are becoming standard technologies in our data centers. So are controls that optimize cold aisle temperature, chiller efficiency, chilled water flow and modern lighting systems. These and other green operational practices have helped us avoid using about 10,000 kilowatts annually—enough to power more than 8,000 U.S. homes for a year. To help us conserve even more energy in the coming years, we’ve set a target of 1.45 or lower for our design average power usage effectiveness (PUE), putting our new data centers on an aggressive path for efficiency improvement.
Green technologies deployed globally
Adaptive control systems reduce power consumption and increase cooling capacity through active airflow management using intelligent, distributed sensors and innovative control policies.
ASHRAE thermal guidelines are used as reference in our newest facilities to optimize interior temperatures. This reduces power consumption for cooling, while maintaining a safe operating temperature for computing equipment.
Cold/hot aisle containment uses physical barriers to reduce the mixing of cold air in data center supply aisles with the hot air in their exhaust aisles. This results in lower energy consumption and more efficient cooling.
Energy-efficient lighting systems in our data centers use motion-activated controls to reduce energy consumption and ambient heat from operating lights.
Variable frequency drives are deployed in chillers, pumps and fans in our HVAC systems to save energy by automatically reducing a motor's speed and power draw to match lower system loads.
IBX green innovations
When Equinix designs and builds new International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers, we reduce energy use and shrink our carbon footprint by taking advantage of unique site conditions. The examples below describe green technologies deployed at select IBX data centers.
Championing green energy
Equinix met over 25% of our global electricity requirements in 2013 through renewable energy purchases. That’s on top of any renewable energy distributed through the power grid from our utilities and energy suppliers. Equinix purchased certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) and guarantees of origin (GoOs). We also used local green power at some of our sites.
Our energy mix
Equinix is committed to increasing transparency around its operations. In 2013 we consumed over 1,900 GWh (AMER 1,097 / APAC 316 / EMEA 508) of electricity using a range of renewable energy and carbon reduction measures. As we grow we will continue to adopt new and efficient ways to mitigate our global footprint.
Our 2013 Utility Resource Mix was as follows:
- Total – Renewable Energy 16%, Coal 32%, Natural Gas 24%, Nuclear 21%
- Americas - Renewable Energy 17%, Coal 32%, Natural Gas 20%, Nuclear 25%
- Asia Pacific - Renewable Energy 3%, Coal 36%, Natural Gas 41%, Nuclear 9%
- Europe - Renewable Energy 23%, Coal 31%, Natural Gas 21%, Nuclear 20%