Conserve Energy and Water: Think Twice Before Uploading to the Cloud

By -

Did you know that 2% [1] of the total energy consumed in the U.S. is by data centers? 



That’s right! In 2014 that equated to 70 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which equals the same amount of energy used that year by 6.4 million American homes.[2] The expectation is that energy use will continue to raise at a rate of 4% per year between now and 2020.[3] That means by 2020 data centers will use 73 billion kWh.

That is why before you upload that cute picture of your cat to Facebook or upload your photo album to “the cloud”, you should think twice about the importance of sharing and preserving your photographs compared to the vast quantity of resources used to preserve your memories.


Do you know how much water is used by data centers?

On average, for every kilowatt hour, a data center uses 1.8 liters of water, which in 2014 equaled 626 billion liters of water.[4] Most of the water used by data centers is from the generation of electricity with a small portion being consumed onsite. The onsite consumption of water is from the cooling of the data centers. Each kilowatt hour used to cool a data center, on average, uses 0.48 gallons of water.[5]

Interesting Facts: 
* Global bitcoin activity = 0.7% of US energy use in 2017

* One cryptocurrency uses 1.13 billion gallons of freshwater per day 
(That equals 411 billion gallons per year).[6]



The Take Away

Cloud-based storage = excessive energy consumption

Each piece of data we upload to the internet goes to a data center where large amounts of water and electricity are used to cool and power the center. The demand for and amount of energy and water consumed by data centers is growing because of the growth in the use of cloud based technologies.

So before you upload your data, consider the impact on the environment!


References
[1, 2] Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. 2016. Here’s how much energy all US data centers consume. Data Center Knowledge. https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2016/06/27/heres-how-much-energy-all-us-data-centers-consume

[3] Shehabi, A. et al. 2016. United States data center energy usage report. Energy Technologies Area, Berkeley Lab.  https://eta.lbl.gov/publications/united-states-data-center-energy

[4] Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. 2016. Here’s how much water all US data centers consume. Data Center Knowledge. https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2016/07/12/heres-how-much-water-all-us-data-centers-consume

[5, 6] Grace Communications Foundation. 2018. Data Centers, Digital and Water Use. Water Footprint Calculator. https://www.watercalculator.org/water-use/data-centers-water-use/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 3Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By -
Image
Reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling have become essential practices in today's environmentally conscious society. These three principles, known as the 3Rs, offer a simple yet effective way to reduce our environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future. REDUCE Reducing waste is crucial for minimizing our carbon footprint. By being mindful of our consumption habits, we can cut down on unnecessary purchases and avoid generating excessive waste. This can be achieved by opting for reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags, rather than relying on single-use alternatives. Additionally, buying products with less packaging and choosing durable and long-lasting items can significantly reduce waste production. REUSE Reusing encourages us to find creative ways to repurpose and reuse materials instead of throwing them away. Upcycling old items into new ones or donating them to others in need not only reduces waste but also promotes a culture of
Read more

Living Green A Guide to Eco-Friendly Products

By -
Image
  Living Green: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Products By Amy Bradley In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, making sustainable choices in our daily lives is more crucial than ever. This month, we invite readers to embark on a journey into the realm of eco-friendly products , exploring options that extend from personal care to household essentials. Let's delve into the world of sustainability and reflect on the cumulative impact of the choices we make. Personal Care: Green Beauty for a Greener Earth The personal care industry has witnessed a remarkable shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. From skincare to haircare, brands are embracing sustainable practices, using biodegradable packaging, and opting for cruelty-free formulations. Explore the array of green beauty products available, ensuring that your self-care routine is as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Clothing Choices: Dressing Responsibly  Fast fashion has
Read more

10 Eco-Friendly Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint During the Holiday Season

By -
Image
  As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to celebrate in a way that is mindful of our impact on the environment. The festive period often comes with increased energy consumption, excessive waste, and a higher carbon footprint. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a joyful holiday season while minimizing your environmental impact. Here are ten eco-friendly ways to reduce your carbon footprint during the holiday season. 1. Choose Sustainable Decorations: Opt for reusable or biodegradable decorations instead of single-use items. Invest in durable, timeless ornaments and decorations that can be used year after year. Consider DIY projects using recycled materials to add a personal touch to your festive decor. 2. LED Lights and Timers: Replace traditional incandescent holiday lights with energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. Additionally, use timers to limit the time your lights are on, ensuring they aren't needle
Read more