Web Host The Planet Announces Green Initiative Results
February 13, 2008 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Web host The Planet (http://www.theplanet.com) has announced the results of its “six-month trial to reduce power consumption and increase data center operating efficiency”. According to the company, server loads increased by 5% during the period while power consumption (related to cooling) decreased by 31%. There was also a 13.5% ‘across-the-board’ reduction in consumption as a result of a “broad range of improvements”. The company predicts cost savings at its six data centers to exceed $1 million in 2008 as a result of its measures.
“With six data centers that house more than 50,000 servers, it’s important that we operate at peak performance to meet the demands of our 22,000 customers,” explained The Planet’s Vice President, Facilities, Mr. Jeff Lowenberg. “At the same time, our goal is to conserve energy and drive operating efficiencies since power is a premium in every corner of the world. Ultimately, when we operate more efficiently, our customers reap the benefits since we’re able to spend capital on products and services that will enhance the customer experience.”
The Planet operates around 150 30-ton computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units at its data centers. After initiating its green measures, the company was able to turn off four of the units at one center. The cooling requirement on two of the units was reduced to 50% of capacity, while another nine now operate at 25 percent of capacity. The company also extended the return air plenums on all of its down-flow CRAC units to optimize efficiency. In some cases, The Planet team was able to increase CRAC unit temperature settings by as much as 10 degrees while still meeting the thermal guidelines for data processing environments set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
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