Data centers are one of the most energy-intensive building types, consuming 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building. Collectively, these spaces account for approximately 2% of the total U.S. electricity use, and as our country's use of information technology grows, data center and server energy use is expected to grow too. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to reduce energy use in data centers.
Steps You Can Take to Save Energy
- Design efficient new data centers:
Learn how to design efficient new data centers by downloading DOE's guide. - Improve the efficiency of your existing data center:
- Benchmark your data center's performance and track its energy use over time by using Portfolio Manager. Download the quick-start guide.
- Identify opportunities for improvement in your data center by reading about these 12 strategies to save energy in data centers.
- Learn about the top measures to save energy in your server room or closet.
- Purchase Energy Efficient Data Servers:
Save energy by purchasing efficient data servers: purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified products. - Find a qualified data center energy efficiency professional:
Find a professional who has been trained in data center energy efficiency.
Data Center Research and Development
Learn more about the data center energy efficiency research and development funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Partnerships and Program Information
Find out how DOE works with other federal government agencies and the national laboratories to improve data center energy performance through the National Data Center Energy Efficiency Information Program.
Join the Better Buildings Alliance to learn more about how others are improving the energy efficiency of their data centers and server rooms.