While metrics such as power usage effectiveness (PUE) measure the energy inputs and outputs of data centres, the new position paper outlines formulas for measuring the material inputs and outputs, including everything required to run a data centre, from paper and toner cartridges to IT hardware and supporting equipment. Recycling Ratios provides a method for measuring efficiency over time as a data centre evolves from start-up, to an initial equipment refresh around year seven, through eventual relocation.
“With an increasing number of organizations promoting zero-waste policies, companies need an easily understood metric for assessing whether materials are handled in an environmentally responsible manner – and a tool for measuring progress,” said Stefano Mozzato, Marketing Director Liebert EMEA. “Just as our Energy Logic approach helped companies focus on reducing energy consumption, Recycling Ratios provides data centre managers with ideas on taking sustainability to a new level.