  Scalable Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have ushered in a transformative era in
data storage and accessibility, spanning both data centers and portable
devices. However, the strides made in scaling this technology can bear
significant environmental consequences. On a global scale, a notable portion of
semiconductor manufacturing relies on electricity derived from coal and natural
gas sources. A striking example of this is the manufacturing process for a
single Gigabyte of Flash memory, which emits approximately 0.16 Kg of CO2 - a
considerable fraction of the total carbon emissions attributed to the system.
Remarkably, the manufacturing of storage devices alone contributed to an
estimated 20 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions in the year 2021.
  In light of these environmental concerns, this paper delves into an analysis
of the sustainability trade-offs inherent in Solid-State Drives (SSDs) when
compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Moreover, this study proposes
methodologies to gauge the embodied carbon costs associated with storage
systems effectively. The research encompasses four key strategies to enhance
the sustainability of storage systems. In summation, this paper critically
addresses the embodied carbon issues associated with SSDs, comparing them with
HDDs, and proposes a comprehensive framework of strategies to enhance the
sustainability of storage systems.
