So what is the code of conduct and why do we need it? 

Despite ICT being a key enabler of energy efficient solutions, the Data Center is the focal point of ICT energy consumption and the resulting carbon emissions that cause climate change.  This is because virtually all ICT equipment that businesses and public organisations depend on is “rack mountable” and as a result is housed in a “rack” that needs to be installed in a data centre or server room of some kind – which of course, has to be efficiently managed to avoid waste and maximise its useful IT output for every watt of energy each rack consumes.

Of course, the responsibility for the usefulness and the output of IT is shared by every one of us – no matter whether we are an office user, an IT manager, a data centre engineer or a user working at home – when we use IT we are putting load on at least one or in most cases several data centres.  This is the principle of the EU Code of Conduct – it sets out the key practices that an organisation should deploy to ensure its ICT and Data centre operations are as energy efficient as possible.

The EU code of conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency is a partnership scheme between industry and the EU Commission which represents wide consensus on best practice to minimise the carbon footprint of Data Centre. In addition it is the perfect vehicle to adopting a strategic policy of improving energy efficiency within the Data Centre over the long term. Participants and Endorsers of the code include industry leaders such as Telecity Group, Ark Data Centres, CNET Training, Siemens, Colt, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Vodafone, IBM and Intel.

Find out more HERE 

What does the code mean to buyers of colocation, Cloud and hosting services?

The code is an indicator of up-to-date best practice, energy efficiency and cost savings. Up to half the cost of Data Centre space is energy. However, as much as 50% of the energy you pay for is spent on important ancillary Data Centre systems such as cooling, fire protection, back-up systems, security etc. The remainder is consumed by the IT equipment itself. Therefore if you choose a Data Centre that are participants of the code you can be assured that best practice is being followed to minimise any wastage. This is better for the environment and helps keep your data centre costs to a minimum.

What does this mean for buyers of Technology, Equipment and Professional Services?

Technology is continuingly evolving at a rapid pace and so does the code – every year the industry’s leading experts from across Europe gather in Brussels to review each aspect and develop an annually released version. Therefore by selecting a firm that endorses the code is a good indicator their technology, advice and solutions reflect the latest in energy efficient data centre design construction and/or operation.

What does the code mean for Data Centre operators and owners?

Participation of the code is an opportunity to build on your existing skills, gain insight from the industry and to demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to the climate change issue of Data Centre operation. In addition there is a tightening of standards, with the introduction of new carbon legislation, open market trading in carbon, and energy directives all of which indicate the pressures that are mounting on energy reduction.

However, participants have already proven you will save money. Energy efficiency initiatives often have very short ROI’s or are even self-funding. It is also an opportunity for the industry to lead and demonstrate self-regulation and its commitment to national and international targets. 

Why is the DCA supporting the EU Code of Conduct?

The DCA is working on a programme of actions to enhance and improve the data centre sector, the code is central to this strategy. The DCA also believes that lack of trusted information, misaligned financial incentives and the under valuing of energy are the key battle grounds in this fast emerging sector which the code can help to address.