Welcome to an insightful discussion at i3d.net on the topic of sustainability in the tech and hosting industry. In this dialogue, Eva Pressman, Operations Manager at i3d.net, shares her insights into the challenges and innovations in the sustainability journey, covering crucial aspects like reducing emissions, extending device life cycles, and embracing renewable energy.
Emissions in the Tech Industry
The tech industry, characterized by its substantial power consumption, faces a daunting challenge: reducing carbon emissions. Eva underscores the importance of a sense of urgency and visibility in addressing this issue. She emphasizes the significant shift from a lack of awareness about power usage to precise measurements, enabling informed decision-making.
Challenges in Carbon Accounting
Eva delves into the evolving challenges in carbon accounting. Annual reports on power usage have become increasingly accurate, thanks to advancements in reporting methods. Notably, i3d.net has transitioned from relying on third-party vendors for power data to directly measuring power usage. The next phase involves further enhancements, such as examining device life cycles and assessing the source of power.
Importance of Device Life Cycle
Extending the life cycle of devices stands as a critical pillar in the reduction of waste within the tech industry. As a performance hosting company, i3d.net prioritizes the use of the latest equipment while also considering the tipping point at which older devices become less efficient. The factors of location and use cases are pivotal in this decision-making process.
Recycling and Reusing
Once devices reach the end of their life cycle, recycling and reusing become indispensable practices. Eva describes i3d.net’s collaborative efforts with a recycling partner, ensuring the responsible handling of E-Waste. Certificates are provided for each recycled device, contributing significantly to the reduction of electronic waste.
Maximizing Efficiency with Renewable Energy
In situations of high-energy consumption, such as data centers, the adoption of renewable energy is paramount. Eva elucidates that while power usage is, to a certain extent, unavoidable, choosing renewable sources whenever feasible is a top priority. i3d.net has taken strides in this direction by utilizing renewable power at its own data center in Rotterdam, complemented by the repurposing of excess heat using innovative heat pump technology.
Innovation for Sustainability
Innovation remains at the heart of i3d.net’s sustainability efforts. Eva offers insights into exciting prospects, such as submersible racks and collaborative ventures with customers to optimize application efficiency. While not every innovation may perfectly align with their specific use cases, i3d.net’s dedicated engineers are actively exploring and experimenting with sustainable solutions to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainability is an ongoing journey that tech and hosting companies like i3d.net are wholeheartedly embracing. From meticulous carbon accounting to the extension of device life cycles, the adoption of renewable energy, and the exploration of innovative solutions, the commitment to forging a greener future is undeniably evident. This comprehensive discussion provides valuable insights into the multifaceted approach to sustainability in the tech industry.