Equinix's Four Key Proposals to Improve Data Center Efficiency

Equinix, a leader in data centers, has implemented measures to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of its facilities in Mexico. The objective is to reduce its annual Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and support new renewable energy projects throughout the country.

Energy efficiency has become a crucial component in the operation of data centers, playing a vital role in sustainability and the reduction of operating costs. With a consumption of 305 MW, Mexico is the second-largest market in Latin America for data centers, underscoring the urgency of optimizing energy use to mitigate environmental impact and enhance competitiveness.

Ivan Benitez, Director of Operational Sustainability at Equinix, emphasized the critical relationship between efficiency and sustainability. “We must allow our energy supply to replenish itself naturally. In the data center sector, this means reducing energy consumption wherever possible and powering facilities with renewable energy sources.”

To improve energy efficiency, Equinix has taken significant steps, including signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) to support renewable energy projects globally. In 2023, the company's annualized average PUE was 1.42, a 22% improvement compared to 2019. Equinix aims to achieve an average annual PUE of 1.30 or better across its global operations.

The importance of energy efficiency in data centers extends beyond cost reduction, as the global climate crisis demands that organizations be more responsible with their environmental impacts.

“In a world moving towards decarbonization, customers are looking for suppliers that align with their sustainable strategies,” the email reads. “In addition, public policy is imposing minimum energy efficiency requirements and greater transparency in data disclosure.”

Equinix has proposed four key initiatives to improve efficiency in data centers:

1. Airflow Management: Implementing airtight separation between cold supply aisles and hot exhaust aisles, a recognized but not yet widely implemented practice.

2. Wider Operating Temperature Ranges: Alignment with ASHRAE A1A standards, allowing operating temperatures up to 27°C in the cold aisles, reducing the energy required to cool equipment.

3. Liquid Cooling: Utilizing technology that transfers heat more efficiently than air, crucial for supporting high-density workloads such as artificial intelligence. This is already being implemented in 100 Equinix data centers across 45 locations, including Mexico.

4. Efficiency as Part of the Identity: Achieving ISO 50001 certification and adopting a programmatic approach to implementing energy efficiency best practices.

Amet Novillo, Equinix general manager for Mexico, noted that the accelerated adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks and the Internet of Things is increasing the energy demands of data centers. “Hardware modernization and the implementation of more efficient cooling systems, such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling, are essential to optimize the installed base and make data center operations more sustainable,” the executive stated.

“Going forward, these initiatives are expected to continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies and market demands,”said Ivan Benitez. “Energy efficiency will remain a key pillar for sustainability and operational resilience, driving the industry towards more responsible and sustainable practices.”