Jan 27, 2014: DataCenterKnowledge.com posted a useful article on data center energy efficiency by Sarah Rambacher, Associate Project Manager, Energy Efficiency Services for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Ms. Rambacher offers a concrete example and advice for a data center EE project.

“When Time-Warner Cable embarked upon building out a new data center space, it worked closely with NYSERDA and its data center outreach consultant, Willdan Energy Solutions, in the early stages of design. Through a mix of energy-efficient power, cooling and lighting strategies, NYSERDA estimates that Time Warner Cable will save 970,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year over a comparable baseline case.

“According to Sal Azzaro, Senior Facilities Director at Time-Warner Cable, ‘It’s been a real team effort. We sat around the table with NYSERDA, Willdan and our business partners and asked, “What if we do this? How about this?” Working with NYSERDA isn’t just about capturing the money for incentives – it’s not a driving factor compared to what we spend – but what they help us recoup in efficiency and redundancy is really primary to the process.’

“In the field of data center energy efficiency, one size does not fit all, especially at the rapid pace at which today’s technology grows and evolves. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced partner to help navigate through the options and maximize investments in energy-efficiency measures. A good partner will focus on overall project ROI and help customers identify and implement IT and infrastructure improvement projects that reduce operating costs, increase efficiency and ultimately help grow their business.”