The last study formulated by Gartner on sustainability in data center infrastructure shows that this is a problem that both users and business executives are concerned about. Of the 221 IT leaders surveyed, 42% were in favor of environmentally friendly measures as a method of economic growth and differential against the competition, while 29% consider that it helps to create strategic value through industrial associations.
With these data in hand, it is estimated that by 2027, 75% of data centers will have incorporated a sustainable policy in its operationswhich would mean notorious growth compared to the 5% registered in 2022. Advocating sustainability is synonymous with cost optimization and of efficient risk management.
If IT leaders believe in sustainability, not just because of the regulatory pressures coming from the competent institutions, it will be possible to discover new opportunities for economic growth and adopt new business models.
There is a trend that shows that these responsibilities in terms of sustainability are transcending from the CIOs to the managers. infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders. And it is that applying these new policies and this greater outlay on environmental solutions would also contribute to external factors such as improving the brand image, committing to innovation and resilience and attracting very good talent.
Transform the mindset of management teams
For this it is necessary to apply a more comprehensive approach that demonstrates the linkage of sustainable IT operations with financial results. This is the only method to end a latent problem, since data centers currently represent 50% of power consumption. For this reason, the objective is none other than to close 2023 with renewable energy that feeds these infrastructures, a percentage that today stands at 69%.
The vast majority of company sustainability initiatives focus on purchasing less technology, thereby reducing transportation costs, e-waste, and carbon footprint. Despite everything, the Gartner report indicates that the most efficient method to obtain economic savings of more than 60% is extend product shelf life and optimize storage capacity.
The benefits of betting on sustainability
Following the Gartner survey, it is concluded that the main advantage is the cost reduction. By deferring the purchase of new equipment and better optimizing existing ones, organizations could save up to 60% in expenses. Ideally, it would extend the useful life of its products from three to five years, as well as improve server utilization.
As it has been pointed out previously, the organizations that bet on sustainable strategies believe in the innovation and in the new business models. New products and services based on AI technology, analytical insights and circular business models can be harnessed for innovation. So, the telemetry platforms they can be deployed to improve power efficiency and allow IT staff to understand the performance that can be delivered to them. Despite everything, today this awareness does not exist among business leaders.
Another great advantage of applying a sustainable program in data centers is the better risk management and mitigation. Given the fluctuations in prices and supply limitations, those companies that bet on sustainable practices of recycling, reuse of resources and renewable energy will be improving their results. And it is that, according to Gartner, 85% of the leaders surveyed see sustainability as a way to stop interruptions.
Given the complex situation that the market is currently experiencing, due to price fluctuations and problems in the supply chain, the reuse of equipment becomes the most efficient strategy, secure and adapted to market changes.
