We Need Servers That Are Energy Efficient

The U.S. computer server market is expected to grow from 2.8 million units in 2005 to 4.9 million units by 2009, no doubt resulting in increased energy demand followed by soaring energy costs as companies deploy greater numbers of servers, consuming more power, and in the process emitting more heat that needs to be dissipated.

That’s why I introduced HR 5646, directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify the potential energy and cost savings to the federal government and private business of energy efficient servers. The legislation was approved the same week Google Inc, the Internet search engine giant, announced plans to hire 1,000 workers in their new office based in my home state of Michigan.

As more everyday services move to the internet, studies are showing that more efficient servers could save up to 80 percent in electricity and cooling costs, and at the same time help protect our communities from the construction of new power plants and new transmission wires. By cooling off our computer servers, we would be cooling off the hot demand on our energy resources.