Data centers require a lot of energy, contributing to the carbon footprint of data storage, though many are going green

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Cutting the Carbon Footprint of Enterprise Data Storage 


Data storage and transmissions networks are responsible for a massive 330 megatons of carbon dioxide annually. Tackling this issue is critical for reaching global net zero goals. 

Stephanie Larochelle Stephanie Larochelle is Content Marketing Manager at Blancco, where she covers secure data erasure and IT asset lifecycle management for corporate IT teams, ITAD providers and mobile device processors. She brings more than a decade of technical writing experience and a background in military service, information security and cybersecurity that informs her approach to data protection and regulatory compliance.

The carbon footprint of data storage and transmissions is an often-overlooked culprit to greenhouse gas emissions. They contribute about 330 megatons of carbon dioxide to the environment per year, making up 2% of global emissions.  That small percentage translates to a significant environmental impact. In fact, the International Energy Agency reports that data center emissions must be halved by 2030 to reach global net-zero goals by 2050.  

Unfortunately, the call to reduce the emissions from data storage directly contradicts an increasing demand for it. As businesses adopt more sophisticated programs and software, data centers face higher storage needs. This surge in demand poses a challenge in achieving ESG goals. While it may not be obvious at first glance, maintaining effective data hygiene is essential for creating a sustainable digital ecosystem.

What contributes to the carbon footprint of data storage? 

Data, digital networks, and cloud storage are often seen as abstract concepts rather than physical objects. But every cloud forms from a physical, tangible place; islands of servers, data storage drives, and cooling equipment that support vast networks. 

Data centers and networks use 1-1.5% of global electricity. This is just one part of the environmental impact of storing data. The EPA outlines three categories of emissions that an enterprise or data center can attribute.   

Scope 1 
Direct 		Scope 2 
Indirect  		Scope 3 
Value chain 
These are emissions that come directly from sources owned or controlled by the organization. 
 
Example: Onsite cooling systems for data storage 		These are indirect emissions associated with the generation of purchased energy consumed by the organization. 
 
Example: Electricity used to power desktops, laptops, and servers.  		These emissions occur because of an organization’s activities but are beyond its direct operational control. 
 
Example: Cloud providers’ data center emissions.  
 

Data centers take on a unique role. They generate their own scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and contribute to the emissions of the supported enterprises. The growth in data demand directly translates to increased emission numbers for both the enterprise and the data center. 

So, while 2% of total emissions is still substantial for the carbon footprint of data storage, the potential for growth is exponential. This is a pressing concern as worldwide data consumption is poised to hit 221 zettabytes of data by 2026.  

Data maintenance may not seem like a solution, but it could go a long way to help. Through strong data hygiene policies, enterprises reduce Scope 3 emissions by cutting storage needs and indirect energy consumption. Data wiping can also make end-of-life assets suitable for reuse or recycling, rather than bound for unsustainable device destruction. 

Tips for tackling data bloat while reaching ESG goals   

Data bloat is a widespread problem for enterprises, especially as processes shift to the cloud. In a survey we conducted, sixty-nine percent of enterprise leaders said the cloud increased their data collection. Sixty-five percent report the digital transition has also increased the amount of redundant, obsolete, or trivial (ROT) data in internal systems.  

Meanwhile, only about half have a mature plan for getting rid of all this excess data. Thirty-five percent of our respondents were just starting to develop end-of-life data classification policies.   

This issue arises from handling an excess of data and confusion about when to dispose of it. Different data retention schedules mandate holding onto certain data. Meanwhile, privacy policies forbid excessive collection or retention. Striking the right balance helps enterprises address data bloat; which also addresses the energy consumption of data.  

Three best practices for managing the environmental impact of data within data center infrastructure management (DCIM) are: classify, sanitize, document.

Standardize data classification policies.

Data classification is an ongoing process. Standardizing it can be challenging, particularly as the amounts of data within an enterprise increase. To make this task more manageable, it is crucial to initiate the classification process early and consistently. Begin by classifying data based on sensitivity levels, retention rates, potential connections to regulations, and other relevant factors. 

Here are some tips to standardize the data classification process: 

When data is properly classified, enterprises are not tied to manual retention schedules that could result in erasure errors. They also don’t have to hold onto unnecessary data that wastes disk space while increasing storage service and the amount of electricity used.

Instead, they can link specific criteria to automated retention schedules that will erase data as soon as it is no longer needed. This also keeps database size under control and less energy intensive. 

Embed data sanitization into the lifecycle. 

The lifecycle of data within an organization involves two critical phases marking the end of its life.  

First, data concludes its practical life when it is no longer necessary for current or future business operations. This can occur as business processes evolve, projects conclude, or when information becomes outdated. In this scenario, the enterprise deletes files from active drives. Automating these processes through software reduces data bloat, alleviating the enterprise’s server burden. 

Secondly, data can reach the end of its usefulness when the hosting storage device is decommissioned. This commonly occurs when hardware, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or servers, is taken out of service due to upgrades, replacements, or the end of its operational lifespan. Proper decommissioning demands a careful and secure data disposal process to prevent potential data breaches or unauthorized access. 

Processes chosen for decommissioning also significantly impact an enterprise’s Scope 3 emissions. Some enterprises, particularly in sensitive industries, may adopt a destruction-first approach over security concerns. This unsustainable method not only wastes assets but also releases harmful greenhouse gases during the destruction process. On top of that, additional energy and resources are needed to create new assets to replace the ones thrown away. For those reasons, destruction first approached are typically the least sustainable method for securing data in end-of-life assets.  

Secure data erasure enables the organization to eliminate residual data on these devices and prepares them for repurposing. Certified data sanitization software ensures the device’s security, allowing the enterprise to address social goals through charitable giving. Worthy causes often need donated electronics to support their missions and data erasure makes it possible to do so securely. 

Erasure should be integrated into both the data and the IT asset lifecycles. This approach ensures data security, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes social responsibility through conscientious handling of retired hardware. 

Document your erasure processes.   

Documenting erasure processes is crucial for enterprises to monitor how these efforts contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of enterprise data storage. Certified erasure software can often incorporate reports, down to a device level, detailing the amount of carbon emissions reduced through secure erasure processes and device-preserving decommissioning. These efforts are further demonstrated by the enterprise’s decreased cloud storage needs, contributing to their Scope 3 emissions reductions. 

Reducing the carbon footprint of enterprise data storage is essential for achieving global net zero goals. By implementing certified erasure processes and closely tracking the associated carbon emission reductions, enterprises play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.  

Want to learn more about how Blancco is contributing to the environment and helping others do the same? Visit our sustainability page to view our annual ESG report and more.

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