You’re probably already aware of the myriad of benefits that flexible cloud computing is contributing to businesses across the country. The cloud can save you money; the cloud can save you space… but can the cloud save the Earth?
Recent research suggests that as cloud computing is adopted globally and data centers become more efficient, carbon emissions and energy usage can be dramatically reduced. Pike Research recently published a report demonstrating that cloud computing could cut almost a third of data center energy consumption by 2020. As companies adopt cloud computing, they’ll be able to outsource their IT needs and discard some of the costly, energy-chomping servers that have long been an essential part of the computerized office. The numbers will only improve as manufacturers design consumer equipment to optimize with cloud computing networks.
Another research firm, Verdantix, predicts that cloud computing will save 85.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions by 2020, saving up to $12.3 billion in energy expenses. That’s the equivalent of 200 million barrels of oil not being burned off into the atmosphere.
With that said, there are caveats. An IEEE paper suggests that some intensive or repetitive tasks consume extra energy in switching and transmission. But data centers are constantly working to minimize their energy usage. Like any other business, they want to manage the costs, which may be the greatest benefit for companies looking to reduce their carbon emissions.
CEOs can choose to completely overhaul on-site data and energy usage – a hugely complex and expensive project that can become outmoded quickly with advances in technology — or they can connect to the cloud, and reap the benefits of reduced energy use.
Other Handy Links:
Four Reasons Why Cloud Computing is Energy Efficient
Cloud Computing Meets Energy Management
Tracy Carlin is a Communications and Public Policy Intern at SIIA. She is also a first year graduate student at Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture and Technology program where she focuses on intersections in education, video games and gender.