Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Data Center Greener

Julie Starr • February 15, 2022



Whether you run an on-prem or third-party-operated data center, looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact is critical. Currently, servers consume around 1 percent of the world’s total energy supply, and thanks to the growth of IT, that number is rising all the time. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money making your servers greener. In fact, inexpensive fixes can make a world of difference. Check out these cheap ways to make your data center less harmful to the environment. 

Centralize The Air Handling

Putting all your HVAC air handling in one place is a good policy for two reasons: 

  • It allows the system to work more efficiently, reducing energy costs
  • It cuts down on maintenance and servicing costs

You’ll notice that your HVAC runs more smoothly and consumes less energy when you adopt this strategy. 

Use A Greener Service

If you outsource your IT and data center operations, then use a sustainable service. Look for a managed service provider that uses energy-efficient data centers. Many companies in this industry will tell you upfront whether they offer green service options or not, and how you can access them. 

Monitor Your Critical Load

As Google demonstrated with the introduction of its deep learning datacenter monitoring algorithm designed to reduce energy usage, monitoring is everything. The more you can keep track of information like water consumption, gas consumption, critical load and so on, the more you’ll be able to tweak your systems to run more efficiently. 

Don’t attempt to do this manually. Instead, find a software solution that monitors all the variables for you and makes automatic adjustments on your behalf. 

Discover Your Carbon Footprint

Do you have any idea how much CO2 your data center is responsible for emitting? If not, then you won’t be in a good position to figure out whether you need to make improvements. Your CIO will have no target metric for decision-making. 

Remember, when it comes to CO2 savings, you don’t always need a complete remodel. Making simple changes, such as keeping hot and cold air separate, can be highly effective. 

Only Build What You Need

If you’re planning on opening an on-prem data center, only build what you need. Companies will often invest in massive server racks with thousands of terabytes more storage than they need, only to never use them. If you can, build out a modular system. This way, you can add new capacity incrementally, including both storage and cooling. 

Use A Heat Wheel

If you have an on-prem data center, try to use a heat wheel if you can — a large aluminum wheel that transfers heat to the outside without the need to introduce new air. 

Ensure That Your Equipment Is Functioning Correctly

Lastly, make sure that your equipment is functioning correctly . Problems with air conditioning and server racks themselves can cause excess energy consumption. 

Also, check that your systems aren’t working against each other. Don’t run a dehumidifier at the same time as running a humidifier. 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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