The Two Sides Of Cloud Computing
Why do companies choose to migrate to the cloud? Some of the reasons include auto-scaling resources, energy-efficient data centres, and cutting-edge technology. It’s natural to assume that this translates to an energy-efficient and sustainable IT infrastructure. After all, cloud computing offers resources that you can tailor to specific needs. Data centres boast the latest hardware, advanced cooling systems, and energy management protocols for optimal energy use.
However, digital sustainability and the environmental impact of the cloud are becoming increasingly important considerations.
The need to maintain the highest possible availability standards often leads application owners to overprovision cloud resources. This results in energy consumption that exceeds actual demand.
Pavel Rogovič
Product Owner at Devoteam Managed Services
The rapid procurement and scalability of cloud resources can make it challenging to manage rising costs and, consequently, CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, over 60% of the energy used by data centres still comes from non-renewable sources, as we can read in Global electricity review 2023.
Less is More: Optimising For Sustainability
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes sustainability while harnessing the benefits of cloud technology. This is where the concept of Cloud GreenOps comes into play. It refers to the practices and strategies designed to make cloud services more sustainable and eco-friendly, reducing the environmental impact of cloud computing operations.
At Devoteam, we believe in a holistic approach that combines proactive and reactive measures. To control growing costs and associated emissions, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the issue.
Pavel Rogovič
Product Owner at Devoteam Managed Services
You can achieve visibility through various means, such as utilising cloud providers’ native ESG monitoring tools. Another way is to leverage custom-built reporting based on resource utilisation metrics.
The focus should later shift to eco-design, laying the right foundations by deploying low-carbon architectures and sustainable IT strategy-driven infrastructures. Once you deploy a well-designed solution and put enhanced observability in place, the next step is to monitor the environment. Moreover, you can optimise it further by implementing Cloud GreenOps practices.
Cloud GreenOps in Action: Practical Steps Towards A Greener Cloud
While these actions might appear complex initially, Devoteam has implemented many measures both internally (in our products and services) and externally through consultancy and solutions for our clients. This can involve migrating cloud resources to a different geographic region with a better balance between latency and power usage efficiency. In other cases, it might mean encouraging a cloud-native architecture, such as adopting serverless computing. Sometimes, it involves extensive remediation, like setting auto-pause schedules for virtual machines or identifying underutilised machines that require downsizing. Retention policies and data labelling can also contribute positively by reducing over-provisioned and unused storage.
Key Takeaways for Sustainable Performance
Cloud sustainability is no longer optional. Global data centres consume as much energy as 1 million households running 24/7, and the digital world’s carbon footprint roughly doubles every decade (Arrago, 2024). However, we can address this challenge. With a robust sustainable IT strategy, green software principles, and a combination of proactive and reactive measures, you can limit the environmental impact without compromising productivity or innovation. This is especially achievable with the tools and expertise of a willing and capable partner like Devoteam.
Interested to know more? Then read how technology contributes to sustainability.
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