Syracuse University Opens One of the World’s Greenest Data Centers

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Syracuse University recently opened a new Green Data Center (GDC)--demonstrating innovations in advanced energy-efficient information technology and building systems. It will use about 50 percent less energy than a typical data center in operation today, making it one of the world's "greenest" computer centers.

Announced in late May 2009 and constructed in just over six months, the $12.4 million, 12,000-square-foot facility uses an innovative on-site power generation system for electricity, heating and cooling--and incorporates IBM's latest energy-efficient servers, computer-cooling technology and system management software.

The facility features an on-site electrical tri-generation system that uses natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the electricity for the center and cooling for the computer servers. The center will be able to operate completely off-grid. It will be the university’s primary computing facility.

IBM and Syracuse also plan to establish a GDC Analysis and Design Center which will offer research and analysis services for clients who want to build new energy-efficient data centers or optimize the efficiency of current centers. Coupling new technology with new uses of existing technology, the innovations pioneered in the GDC will make advances in energy efficiency possible in data centers from downtown Manhattan to emerging nations.

IBM provided more than $5 million in equipment, design services and support to the GDC project, including supplying the power generation equipment. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) contributed $2 million to the project, and $500,000 in additional funding will come from the New York State Senate.

"Together, IBM and Syracuse are tackling a significant problem -- how to address the skyrocketing amount of energy used by today's data centers, which is impacting businesses and institutions of all sizes," says Vijay Lund, vice president for cross-IBM offerings in IBM's Software Group. "We looked beyond conventional wisdom and addressed the broader issues of where and how to generate the electricity, how to cool the data center and how to make the computers more effective and efficient. This unique end-to-end focus has resulted in a smarter, cost-effective, greener data center."

"The cross-sector collaboration at the center of this project epitomizes Scholarship in Action," said Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. "IBM, New York State and SU have formed a community of experts, pooling our resources and talent to develop innovations that will enable greener, more cost-effective computing across the globe. Most importantly, the discoveries we make here will drive innovation that serves the public good."

The growing demand for computing and online services has led to a sharp increase in the number of data centers and in their energy consumption and costs. A typical data center uses up to 30 times more energy than a typical office building, and total data center energy use is doubling every five years. Improving data center energy efficiency offers significant energy cost savings and environmental benefits to organizations and businesses.

Because the Green Data Center was constructed in accordance with LEED "Green Building" principles, more than 99 percent of all construction waste was recycled. The project generated over 1,200 tons (about 60 truckloads) of waste that did not go to a standard landfill.

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