• • • SUSTAINABILITY • • •


full landscape that should be considered, and the addition of e-waste metrics is timely and increasingly critical. “Aligning on measures and methodology, and keeping visibility to the full extent of what should be measured, will help all data centre providers advance, collectively, towards the sustainable digital future we need.”


Achieving sustainable data centres is an ongoing process that requires commitment, investment, and collaboration across the industry. By implementing these strategies and continuously seeking innovative solutions, data centres can minimise their environmental impact while still meeting the growing demand for digital services.


Commenting on the importance of establishing standard benchmarks, Vlad Gabalov, director at Omdia, head of the Cloud and Data Research Practice, said: “Measuring sustainability in data centres is not just an option, it’s a responsibility we owe to our planet and future generations. By quantifying our environmental impact, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions that lead to meaningful change. “However, isolated efforts are not enough. To truly drive progress across the industry, we must unite under a standardised framework. This framework will not only guide our actions but also enable us to compare, learn, and innovate collectively. Through measurement and standardisation, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable digital future.”


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


Highlights of the updated whitepaper


• A detailed outline of the specific 28 metrics within the five key areas of energy, GHG, water, waste, and local ecosystem (i.e biodiversity) that data centres should review;


• Addition of segmentation for GHG emissions metrics by scope 1, 2 and 3;


• Addition of “Server utilisation (ITEUsv)” in the energy category to guide efforts to reduce the number of servers to achieve the same level of information processing;


• Addition of “Water replenishment” to the “Water” category for better water stewardship activities;


• A greater focus on the “Local ecosystem” category to include “Total land use”, “Land- use intensity”, and “Outdoor noise” metrics measuring the direct and indirect impact on biodiversity;


• A recommended holistic approach to maturity-level mapping of each metric, inspired by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, for ongoing progress measurement; and


• Addition of “e-waste” and “Battery” metrics to “Waste generated” and “Waste diversion rate” under the “Waste” category;


This recently updated framework coincides with Schneider Electric’s recent launch of its EcoStruxure Resource Advisor Copilot, a conversational AI tool designed to help business leaders interact with their enterprise energy and sustainability data at even greater speed. Using Large Language Model technology, Schneider Electric has securely built Copilot as a convenient digital companion embedded inside Resource Advisor. Copilot will equip energy and sustainability teams with enhanced data analysis, visualisation, decision support, and performance optimisation, and the ability to seamlessly process intricate industry knowledge and Resource Advisor system information. A private beta launched in September, and general availability of the solution will occur in late 2023/early 2024.


• The best-in-class values and industry target values for each key metric for data centre organisations.


The new tool is the latest AI-enabled enhancement that Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business division has made in recent years. Others include AI-enabled risk optimisation, invoice validation services, and peak alert notifications. Additionally, every software solution in the Sustainability Business portfolio, which includes Zeigo Network, Zeigo Activate and Zeigo Power, is supported by data science, machine learning, and AI automation.


ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2023 23


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