Data centers often consume many times the quantity of electricity used by a similarly sized commercial office space. Given this large electricity use, facility managers need to implement effective energy conservation measures to reduce energy use and associated utility costs, as well as to minimize their impact on the environment. Now, managers have a new resource devoted to these challenges.
ASHRAE recently launched a new Data Center Resources page that aims to help data center design and operations professionals maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels in data centers, where servers and other computing equipment generate significant amounts of heat. This resource hub provides the latest standards, guidelines and best practices to address compliance and sustainability goals.
The page offers technical materials, including publications, standards, guidelines and research papers, that address various aspects of data center design and operation, such as cooling, power distribution, energy efficiency and thermal management. Key highlights include:
ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.9 Datacom Encyclopedia. A collection of knowledge about important datacom topics, such as facility design considerations, ITE design considerations, environmental guidelines, cooling technologies and energy efficiency in a central hub.
Data center standards and guidance. Foundational guidance, such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.4-2022, Energy Standard for Data Centers and ASHRAE Standard 127-2020, Methods of Testing for Rating Air-Conditioning Units Serving Data Center (DC) and Other Information Technology Equipment, and new resources, such as updated data center chapters from the ASHRAE Handbook.
ASHRAE Datacom Series. Provides comprehensive treatment of data center cooling and related subjects.
Besides technical resources, the page offers links to relevant ASHRAE conferences, events, and professional development opportunities.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
