Barry Westbury - Guest Blog

Hi, my name is Barry Westbury and I work in Technology Services. I am responsible for running the UK data centres. I have written this blog to give you all an update on what we are doing to support 'Green Computing'. This phrase has many different interpretations, but the one I prefer is ECO = Ecology & Economy. Our primary aim has always been to get the best deal for our customers, but over the last 12 to 18 months greater focus has been applied to the Ecology side of the equation. We are after all a publicly listed company with Corporate Social Responsibility obligations. Over and above that, our power bill in Experian runs at £1.6m per annum and like most large companies IT is the major part of that spend.

What are we doing?

Within the UK Data Centres, where the majority of our revenue based systems are run from, we have implemented a number of initiatives to support ECO computing. In conjunction with Facilities, all of the power is from renewable energy sources. The Computer halls are run in lights out mode.

We have worked with Intel, HP and IBM on collaborative ventures to improve efficiencies, including optimising the layout of the data halls to maximise air flow and therefore reduce costs and power consumption. For every watt of energy the equipment uses we have to expend the same again to keep the equipment cool enough to keep running!

Newer technology computer systems (blade servers) utilise 60% less power than their predecessors. We are also using virtualisation (which allows you to run many logical systems on the same physical device) to maximise usage of servers and storage. A traditional server device runs at around 8-10% busy, whereas a virtual server can function at up to 80% busy. These changes will generate over £200K per annum cost avoidance, compared with traditional methods of deployment.

Alongside all of this we are examining power management tools, which will automatically reduce the power consumption of servers and other devices within the Data Centres when they are not busy.

Within the office space we are deploying more efficient desktop and laptop technologies. The current devices require 40% less power than their predecessors. Technology Services is also sponsoring a project to reduce printing costs by encouraging people to print in duplex and in black and white rather than colour.

We ensure that all old kit is disposed of in accordance with the WEEE (Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations. In addition we are encouraging everyone in the business to dispose of unwanted hardware via the 'hardware amnesty' that is advertised on the Intranet.

Where are we going?

Over the next 18 months we will be looking at our heating and cooling systems within the computer centres and investigating alternative ways to achieve greater energy efficiencies, such as supplementing the existing air conditioning systems by using cold air drawn from outside in the winter months.

We will also deploy greater virtualisation in storage, network and server environments to reduce the overall amount of power required to deliver these systems.

Within the office environment we are investigating new technologies such as 'Virtual Desktop and Thin Client' which use up to 70% less power than current technologies.

In the broader context we are working to introduce technologies that allow greater workforce collaboration and mobility including instant messaging, virtual communities, enhanced video conferencing etc. These initiatives will equip our workforce to do business from any location and therefore will reduce travel and improve efficiency.

In the meantime, we can all do our bit to help simply by switching off PCs and monitors, unplugging chargers and turning off the lights if you are last out.

Barry

x Close