Energy Saving News
Microsoft to save energy with green data centre
A new data facility near Microsoft's central research centre in Washington, US, will employ innovative technology to help the computer giant save energy.
Due to become fully operational in April next year, the Redmond Ridge 1 site will provide a new home for Microsoft servers used for software development and testing.
The facility is also expected to deliver significant energy savings for the company thanks to a state-of-the-art cooling system, which brings outside air into enclosed sections of the servers to reduce the need for refrigeration.
Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist at Microsoft, said that the launch of the data centre represents "a real transition point in the company's culture".
He added: "This facility is a great example of how technology can help improve the energy efficiency of a company's operations."
Explaining the new system, Managed Lab Services product manager Jim Osborne said: "The cooling design … means that servers in the facility will require a third less energy than if they were placed in traditional office buildings."
Microsoft Research was founded at the original Redmond site and the majority of its computer scientists are still based there.
Tuesday 15th September 2009
