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Energy efficiency refers to a system or device’s ability to use as little energy as possible to perform a particular task or function within acceptable limits. Essentially, it means using energy in the most effective way possible and minimizing waste. There are many applications, such as energy-efficient windows or homes, but for the purpose of understanding energy efficiency from an NVIDIA perspective, we’ll focus on the context of data centers.
Energy efficiency refers to maximizing the amount of computational work completed for the amount of energy consumed and is typically measured in “tasks per kilowatt-hour.” This isn’t the same as power efficiency.
Energy efficiency is crucial for building a sustainable future, and optimizing data center energy usage is a key part of this effort. This involves minimizing waste and unnecessary energy consumption while keeping computing equipment and systems running smoothly. By improving data center energy efficiency, we can lower operating costs and reduce the environmental impact of data centers. Strategies for achieving this goal include using more efficient hardware and software and optimizing cooling systems. Prioritizing energy efficiency in data centers can help build a more sustainable and resilient digital infrastructure for the future.
Energy and power are related quantities, but they’re different. Energy is power times time, whereas power is energy per unit of time.
Power efficiency is related to energy efficiency, but it’s a rate like the speed of a car and is usually measured in “tasks per watt.”
There are several reasons why energy efficiency is crucial for data center management and operations:
Greenhouse gas emissions by business sector as of 2020. (Source: ourworldindata.org. “Sector by Sector: Where Do Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Come From?”)
Listed below are a few examples of the many costs and solutions data center operators can adopt to optimize and budget for energy-efficient data center strategies. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on the specific needs and constraints of each data center.
Improving data center energy efficiency is critical to reducing carbon emissions and lowering operating costs. Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term solutions, there are a variety of strategies you can implement to get started.
Want more information on power efficiency? Check out the NVIDIA Power Efficiency Glossary page.
From news highlighting the latest breakthroughs in energy efficiency to deep-dive technical walkthroughs showcasing how you can use NVIDIA solutions, there’s a blog to answer your energy-efficiency questions.
Explore NVIDIA's resource library for energy efficiency.