With energy bills and other expenses on the rise, businesses across the UK are facing a cost of living crisis. However, there are areas where costs can be cut without compromising continued innovation. IT systems, for example, have been cited as a prime area for savings. In this post, we will provide you with simple, straightforward steps to cut energy costs and enhance your sustainability credentials. Follow these 7 easy steps to ensure that your IT equipment is operating as efficiently as possible, save money, and reduce your business’s environmental impact.
1. Upgrade to LED Screens
Computer monitors can be a considerable source of energy consumption. Replacing traditional monitors with LED screens is an easy way to save energy. LED backlit screens have a much lower power consumption compared to traditional alternatives. Old equipment can be traded in or recycled, resulting in cost savings in the long run.
2. Switch to Laptops
Laptops are a more energy-efficient alternative to desktops. They are more portable, less bulky, and consume at least 50% less power than desktop PCs. Switching to laptops can result in energy savings starting from day one. Ensure that you only plug the laptop in to charge as needed, instead of leaving it constantly connected to the power source. Not only will this save energy, but it will also help conserve the battery life of the device.
3. Keep Routers Switched On
Contrary to popular belief, switching off all equipment isn’t always the best way to keep costs down. Internet routers should be kept switched on since switching them off could result in false issues regarding internet speed. Your internet service provider could reduce your internet speed while they attempt to stabilize the line. So, we recommend keeping your routers switched on.
4. Keep Equipment Clean
Cleaning IT equipment thoroughly and frequently is crucial to save energy. Dust and debris can cause issues if they enter devices. If you operate servers, keep the fans, vents, and filters free of dust and debris. If fans become clogged, servers have to work much harder to maintain optimal working temperatures, therefore using more energy.
5. Maintain Optimum Server Room Temperature
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for server room efficiency. The optimal temperature for server rooms is recommended to be between 20°C and 22°C. Servers will begin to shut down if their surroundings reach a temperature of 35°C. This, however, will vary according to the size of the space and the volume of equipment within it. Ensure that air conditioning units are appropriately sized and they can reach the target temperature. Inverter-based air conditioning solutions consume less power than older models and work well in most server rooms. You should also limit access to server rooms and keep the doors closed, helping to maintain airflow and temperature.
6. Consider Virtualizing Servers
Virtualizing servers is another ideal way to cut energy costs for the business. Physical servers could be virtualized onto more modern and power-efficient platforms, depending on your business needs. You could also consider using resource schedulers with virtual and cloud environments during off-peak periods. This reduces the number of hosts required and helps conserve power consumption.
7. Audit and Decommission Unused Equipment
IT equipment should be audited at regular intervals to ensure you are making the most out of your devices. Any tech that isn’t used should be decommissioned and powered down, so that it is not using energy unnecessarily. You may also be able to trade in or repurpose devices. Maintaining equipment that’s in use to ensure it’s operating at its best can prolong the life of your technology and reduce long term spend.
In conclusion, businesses can save money and help the environment by being mindful of their IT equipment’s energy consumption. By following these seven steps, you can reduce business expenses and improve your sustainability credentials. Take advantage of government schemes and incentives to boost your cost-saving efforts even further. With an eye on sustainability, you will not only reduce costs, but also help the environment and increase your business’s reputation.
