Going Green is certainly a buzzword in the IT industry. “Green IT” is now at the pinnacle of Gartner’s (www.gartner.com) list of the top 10 strategic technologies for 2008. Gartner points to the need for “Green IT” as they identify the current crisis of “impact on power grids, carbon emissions from increased use and other environmental impacts…are under scrutiny.”

It is of no surprise that reports show 80% of Enterprise Customers are now considering environmental impact when choosing companies to do business with. However, is it possible to save money and be a “good corporate citizen” by choosing a “green” Data Centre host?

OMNIconnect, a privately owned Carrier and Data Centre located in Melbourne’s South East knows that it is possible. OMNIconnect is currently implementing solutions that they estimate will save up-to 40% of energy costs, and are passing on savings to their clients, thereby playing their part as “good corporate citizens”.

Peter Hutton, Managing Director of OMNIconnect explains their reasons for the change, “We are in the process of a major expansion of our existing Data Centre facility, issues of increasing energy costs, the impact of future carbon trading schemes, and corporate responsibility all came into sharp focus. These issues affect our business and our clients business, and depending on our response, this could affect the sustainability and competitiveness of our business.”

So what changes have been needed to achieve a “Green IT” outlook on their data centre?

Power consumption from cooling and other auxiliary equipment equates to, on average, half of the power consumption in a Data Centre. As such, using an efficient cooling system makes a huge difference. This is possible via APC in-row cooling systems, which have greater heat transfer efficiency than other systems. APC also utilise variable speed fans, which operate at speeds required on demand, rather than at full capacity constantly, to put this in perspective, a cooling fan running at 50% speed consumes around a tenth of the power a fan running at full speed. Using closed loop water systems also saves water.

During winter months, scavenged heat from the data centre will be used via a reticulated water system to heat office areas. Solar power is also put to good use in hot water services, while all Telco Services Batteries are charged by solar cells. Motion detection lighting sensors and energy saver lights are used, and where possible skylights are installed for natural lighting within the workspaces.

These initiatives means electricity that otherwise may have been consumed unnecessarily is now available. Not only does this save money, it also leaves reserve capacity for sustainability and future growth, a major issue for all Data Centre’s where power is already at a premium.

Business Development Manager Mark Vieros explains how OMNIconnect encourages other businesses to use environmentally friendly technology, “We decided that customers that colocate energy efficient equipment in our Data Centre should be rewarded. They receive a rebate on their service for using equipment such as those listed under the 80 PLUS program. This way, we are encouraging existing and also new potential clients to play their part in sustainability as well”

Peter Hutton concludes “We are proud of how we have built our business to date, and are genuinely excited to continue to grow it in a way that is not only cost effective and uses best of breed technology, but also means that as a business, we are playing our part in environmental conservation.”

"OMNIconnect provide an outstanding service when it comes to our Hosting and Connectivity requirements. The hardware is top notch, and if we're ever stuck their skilled technicians are always able to help."
Brett O'Donnell

"I need more stars!!! I've been involved in the tech space most of my adult life, and more time in datacenters that I care to admit. The facility is clean, welcoming, and fast, the service is professional, courteous, and human. Well done, was great to be treated as a person and not a number."

Mark Walker

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