Green Edge Computing: How To Use Edge Computing To Improve Sustainability

Sustainability has become a high priority in the IT industry. Data centers consume up to 3 percent of the electricity generated worldwide, producing an estimated 2 percent of global CO2 emissions. Cloud data centers are responsible for more than half of data center energy usage and consume significant amounts of water. Large data centers can consume one to five million gallons of water daily. That’s as much as a small town. These impacts are expected to increase as demand for IT resources continues to grow.

Many organizations have set aggressive targets for reducing their carbon footprints, achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, and meeting regulatory mandates. Nearly all the titans of the technology sector have set “Net Zero” carbon goals meaning they will be carbon neutral or negative by a specific year (typically 2030 or 2040). However, the need for more powerful systems and highly scalable infrastructure often runs headlong into these sustainability goals. IT teams must find a way to improve sustainability while ensuring high availability and maximizing performance.

Edge computing can help organizations balance these competing objectives. The term refers to the deployment of computing resources at the network’s edge, closer to users and devices that collect and generate data. Edge computing enables organizations to process and store this data at the edge rather than sending it to a centralized data center or the cloud.

Edge Computing and Sustainability

The sustainability benefits of edge computing might not be obvious initially — you’re still using IT resources in a different location. But that location makes a very real difference in an organization’s overall carbon footprint and environmental impacts.

Reduced Cloud and Data Center Usage

Processing data at the edge reduces demand for cloud and data center resources. While edge data centers require power and cooling, they are optimized for efficiency rather than horizontal scalability. Cooling a small server room environment efficiently is more manageable than an entire data center. The net effect is an overall reduction in power and associated cooling requirements. This is important because cooling and ventilation systems are among the most power-hungry parts of a typical data center (40% of energy consumption). Alongside sustainability gains, organizations can save money by improving efficiency. Cooling is also one of the most expensive components of a data center.

Reduced Network Traffic

Edge computing further reduces energy requirements by decreasing the amount of data sent over wide-area networks. It also reduces latency — one of the key benefits of edge computing. Data can be processed faster because data doesn’t have to travel to a distant data center. This improves application performance, enhances the user experience, and enables real-time decision-making.

Improved Monitoring and Management

Edge data centers seldom have onsite IT staff. As a result, they are generally designed with remote power monitoring and management capabilities that allow centralized IT staff to keep tabs on real-time energy consumption. Because edge data centers tend to have limited power and cooling capacity, organizations have a strong incentive to manage these resources effectively. 

Hardware Reuse

Edge computing environments often have more modest IT requirements, enabling organizations to reuse equipment no longer adequate for the primary data center. This not only saves capital costs but reduces the amount of IT equipment that is manufactured. It also reduces electronic waste.

Battery Savings

Internet of Things (IoT) devices tend to have limited compute resources, and their batteries are quickly drained if they have to process much data. Edge computing conserves the battery life of these devices, reducing the number of batteries that are manufactured and the amount of toxic waste.

Green Edge Computing Solutions From Enconnex

The Enconnex EdgeRack line of micro data centers for edge computing can help create a sustainable edge environment. The EdgeRack 3P and the EdgeRack Industrial 8M include highly efficient, integrated cooling systems. The EdgeRack Industrial 8M’s side-mounted cooling unit with a built-in condensate water processor can even be shared by multiple cabinets.

The EdgeRack 3P features an integrated monitoring system with an intuitive touch-screen interface. Its power control module with a breaker panel allows for precise power management protection. Designed for harsh environments, the EdgeRack 8M is dust- and moisture-proof (NEMA 12 and IP55-rated), with sensors to detect temperature, humidity, water leakage, and smoke within the enclosure.

The data center infrastructure experts at Enconnex are well-versed in today’s sustainability requirements and can help you select the right solution for your needs and objectives. Browse our IT and data center product catalog today and get in touch to learn more.