Data centers can now earn Energy Star labels
The federal agency said to earn the Energy Star label, data centers must be in the top 25 of their peers as measured utilizing the Power Usage Effectiveness metric. The Power Usage Effectiveness metric, or PUE, was developed by the Green Grid, a data center energy group.
In order to be awarded the label, which is seen on such appliances as refrigerators and washing machines, a licensed professional must independently verify the performance of the facility and sign and seal a document that is filed with the EPA.
At a conference in Florida, Alexandra Sullivan, the technical development manager for the Energy Star program, said the main goal of the initiative is to provide a simple, easily communicated symbol to provide motivation for energy savings in data centers.
The organization noted that improving the efficiency of data centers by 10 could result in the reduction of more than 6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in the U.S. That would be equivalent to the energy needed to power more than 350,000 homes and result in more than $450 million in savings per year.
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Modular nuclear reactors a 'long shot' worth studying, says Yukon gov't
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is looking for ways to reduce the territory's emissions, and wondering if nuclear power is one way to go.
The territory is undertaking a feasibility study, to determine whether there's a future for SMRs — small modular reactors — as a low-emissions alternative to things such as diesel power.
The idea, said John Streicker, Yukon's minister of energy, mines and resources, is to bring the SMRs into the Yukon to generate electricity.
"Even the micro ones, you could consider in our remote communities or wherever you've got a point load of energy demand," Streicker said. "Especially electricity demand."
SMRs…