A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT Resources and Applications Section A -Research paper

A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT

Resources and Applications
V.Shanmuganeethi
Department of CSE,National Institute of
Technical Teachers Training and Research
(NITTTR),Chennai,india,[email protected]

Abstract

Green computing, also known as sustainability, is more than just the operational energy
usage of computing equipment. Green computing aims to reduce the carbon footprint generated
by the Information Technology and Systems business. It is the process of making better use of
computing resources while maintaining or improving overall performance. Green computing must
consider the entire product life cycle, from manufacturing to recycling. In today scenario, the green
computing framework depend on people, networks, and hardware. Green computing is a naturally
effective strategy to reduce electricity consumption and environmental waste. This study focuses
on the production and operation phases of the product life cycle and shows the actions will result
in a reduction in overall carbon footprint for personal and industrial computing under various
operational settings and environments.
Keywords: Green computing, carbon footprint, Energy consumption, e-waste recycling,
computing resources.

DOI: 10.17628/ecb/2019.08.04.08

1. Introduction

Although "green computing" and its alternate "green IT" have recently grown in popularity
and relevance, but their conceptual roots are initiated in 19th Century. Green computing is the study
and practice of efficiently and sustainably reducing the environmental impact of computer systems
and related resources. It is a new idea that aims to lessen hazardous materials while protecting our
environment from the negative effects of computers, CPUs, servers, and other electronic devices.
The core sustainability principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle can be incorporated into all IT
processes and practices, and innovative ways to integrate IT into business processes can be found
to deliver sustainability benefits across the enterprise. Green computing focuses on various green
computing elements used to lessen environmental risks and focuses on recent developments in the
field to minimize processor thermal power. Energy issues will take on greater importance in the
coming days as the public discussion on carbon emissions, global warming, and climate change
heats up. The 21st century belongs to computers and technological devices. Given the widespread
use of information technology, the sector must lead a sort of revolution by being green. Green
computing has primarily been fueled by energy use and the costs associated with it, but as people

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A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT Resources and Applications Section A -Research paper

become more aware of the dangers of climate change and anxious about the security of their energy
supply, the topic has become one that affects the entire country and the world.
It is likely that green computing will continue to be centered on lowering costs while enhancing
the performance of energy-hungry data centers and desktop computers for some time due to the
immediate impact on business value. It is unlikely that this initial wave of activity will entirely
translate into a reduction in the overall ecological impact of IT services and goods for businesses
and their clients. Environmental concerns involving the design of IT products and services, supply
chain optimization, and adjustments to business operations to deal with e-waste, pollution, and the
use of essential resources like water, toxic compounds, and the air will need to be handled in greater
detail. However, there is an increasing possibility that green IT goods and services may become
the deciding factor in terms of the intangible benefits of "greenness" to the consumer, even though
these first-wave operations are largely motivated by cost-reduction-based commercial value[1].
Vendors can now position goods and services to use less energy and cost less, but positioning the
business itself in terms of its environmental and social responsibility may prove to be more
beneficial in the long run.
In the green computing era, the term "sustainable IT" and "sustainable IT services" are starting
to be used interchangeably with an emerging wave of green computing innovation. Beyond merely
energy use and product considerations, sustainable IT initiatives are promoting sustainability. If
the strategic advantages of green computing are to be realized, this larger approach to corporate
sustainability will require the restructuring of the IT department and even the company itself. This
second wave will include the adoption of ecological strategies that will transform markets, inspire
technical advancement, and result in changes in organizational culture, process, and behavior that
will integrate commercial models with environmental and social responsibility [2]. These changes
are being brought about by the evolving shifts in customer expectations, which have shifted from
a strict focus on the financial benefits of reduced energy use to increasingly elusive green benefits
and cultural difficulties prompted by worries about climate change and global warming.
In the technology driven environment, cloud computing is playing a major role offering IT
services over the Internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics,
and intelligence. Hence, the integration of cloud computing technologies with Green computing
as Green cloud computing aims to reduce energy usage while simultaneously achieving efficient
processing and use of computer infrastructure. This is necessary to guarantee the long-term
sustainability of cloud computing growth [3]. Otherwise, cloud computing will result in a
significant increase in energy consumption as front-end client devices become more commonplace
and connect with back-end data centers. So, this paper is to examine various green computing best
practices and how they affect sustainable IT services with the hope of finding pressing problems
and opportunities to enhance societal, business, and consumer value.

2. Literature Review

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A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT Resources and Applications Section A -Research paper

Many initiatives have been made to achieve green computing in various fields and lessen the
detrimental effects of ICT on environmental sustainability. Sharma [4] presented a study on green
computing that looked at the creation of effective computer programs employing all of a CPU's
available cores, which led to faster program execution than any single-core implementation and
further led to energy savings. The study is supported by a case study as well. The study also noted
that the multi-core technique performed better when there were more computations involved;
otherwise, the performance was lower compared to single-core calculation. Farooqi et al.'s [5] have
evaluated different green cloud computing approaches and their outcomes.

An study of the present green computing projects and an overall comparison between them
were offered by Mesaad et al. [6] to demonstrate their effectiveness. From the perspective of e-
waste management, the HP program is the greenest computing waste-management strategy. By
examining strategies to implement a variety of supporting technologies successfully and efficiently
like the Internet, smart objects, and sensors, to mention a few, Shaikh et al. [7] examined the green
Internet of Things. Along with reviewing current IoT initiatives, applications, and standardization
efforts, they also identified a few obstacles that must be overcome soon to properly enable a green
IoT. Nanath et al. [8] talked about how Green information systems (Green IS) practices affect
Green innovations and the different ways that businesses might outperform rivals thanks to the
superior performance of Green innovations.
Various methods, models, and algorithms for energy-efficient green cloud computing were
suggested by More et al. [9]. The method is called virtualization. Virtual machine (VM)
consolidation is a major aspect of the study. By turning on and off physical machines in accordance
with the workload need, power consumption can be reduced. The methods discussed are centered
on reducing power consumption and improving the energy efficiency of data centers. Asad et al.
[10] separated the big data enterprise into six categories that they thought were essential for
influencing how much energy data centers use. They also conduct a survey on the crucial tactics
that will make these six essential flights greener. Also covered are the difficulties and future
directions in this field. An optimization approach for managing green data centers by combining
multiple energy reduction techniques was presented by Pahlevan et al. [11]. The data collected
show good results because there has been a significant reduction in electricity costs, up to 96%.
Atrey et al. [12] conducted research on how the expense of cloud computing's unrestricted services
causes the advantages to be overcompensated and raises energy use and CO2 emissions.
A model-driven green strategy was described by Dougherty et al. [13] to prevent over-
provisioning of idle virtual resources in cloud servers. Their model aims to offer a green auto-
scaling method for allocating VM configurations while maintaining an acceptable QoS. The issue
is resolved as a problem of feature selection. An energy-aware mobile cloud computing paradigm
that makes use of cloudlets to lower wireless communications' energy usage was presented by Gai
et al. [14].
3. Green Computing Techniques

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A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT Resources and Applications Section A -Research paper

The goal of green computing is to reduce the environmental impact of technology while
maintaining or improving its performance and efficiency. By adopting energy-efficient hardware,
optimizing software, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices
in hardware production and disposal, green computing not only conserves resources and reduces
operational costs. Different techniques of green computing is shown in figure 1.

Fig. 1 Green computing techniques

Green computing techniques also contributes significantly to global efforts in curbing climate
change, preserving natural ecosystems, and ensuring a more sustainable and harmonious
coexistence between technology and the environment for present and future generations.
3.1 Energy-Efficient Hardware and Design

The increasing demand for computing resources, coupled with growing environmental
concerns, has propelled the need for energy-efficient hardware and innovative design strategies
within the realm of green computing. Traditional computing practices have been associated with
substantial power consumption, contributing to carbon emissions and escalating energy costs. As
a response, the integration of energy-efficient hardware components and thoughtful design
principles has emerged as a pivotal avenue to mitigate these challenges and foster sustainable
computing ecosystems. Energy-efficient hardware encompasses a spectrum of components that
are engineered to operate with reduced power consumption without compromising performance.
One prominent area of focus is low-power processors, designed to execute computations while
minimizing energy usage. These processors employ techniques such as clock gating and power
gating, allowing for the dynamic powering off of unused components within the chip. Furthermore,
advancements in transistor technology, such as the transition from planar to FinFET transistors,
have yielded improved energy efficiency by reducing leakage currents and enhancing the
switching characteristics of the transistors. Another crucial component in energy-efficient
hardware is memory, with efforts aimed at developing memory technologies that strike a balance
between performance and power consumption. Energy-efficient memory architectures, including
the use of non-volatile memory and hybrid memory systems, enable more effective data storage
and retrieval while minimizing energy overhead. Additionally, graphics processing units (GPUs),
which are widely employed in tasks requiring intense computational power, are being optimized
for energy efficiency through techniques such as task parallelism and voltage-frequency scaling.

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The significance of energy-efficient hardware design extends beyond individual components to

encompass overall system architecture. Innovative design approaches such as heterogeneous
computing involve integrating diverse processing units optimized for specific tasks. This allows
for task allocation to the most energy-efficient component, effectively reducing the energy
footprint of the entire system. Furthermore, hardware accelerators like field-programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are gaining prominence as
they provide tailored solutions to specific workloads, reducing the need for general-purpose
processors and consequently lowering energy consumption.

3.2 Power Management Techniques

Designing energy-efficient hardware also involves addressing the power requirements during
different operational states. Power management techniques such as dynamic voltage and frequency
scaling (DVFS) enable the adjustment of processor voltage and frequency based on workload
demands, optimizing energy consumption without sacrificing performance. Additionally,
innovations in cooling solutions, such as liquid cooling and advanced thermal management
systems, help maintain optimal operating temperatures while reducing the energy needed for
cooling.
3.3 Virtualization and Cloud Computing in Green computing

Virtualization and cloud computing have emerged as transformative technologies with

profound implications for achieving green computing objectives and optimizing resource
utilization in the modern digital landscape. These innovative paradigms offer scalable, flexible,
and energy-efficient solutions that address the environmental challenges associated with traditional
computing infrastructures. Virtualization, at its core, involves creating multiple virtual instances
on a single physical server. This technique optimizes hardware utilization by allowing multiple
operating systems and applications to coexist on the same machine, effectively consolidating
computing resources. This consolidation reduces the need for extensive hardware deployments,
leading to lower energy consumption and a smaller physical footprint. Server virtualization, in
particular, has revolutionized data centers by significantly improving server utilization rates and
reducing the number of underutilized servers, thereby curbing power requirements and overall
energy consumption.
Cloud computing, an extension of virtualization, takes resource optimization to a higher level.
Cloud services provide on-demand access to computing resources, including processing power,
storage, and networking, enabling organizations to scale their operations seamlessly based on
demand. This elasticity eliminates the need for overprovisioning resources, which is a common
practice to accommodate peak workloads. As a result, cloud computing minimizes the waste of
underutilized resources and optimizes energy usage. Cloud providers also have the ability to
strategically distribute workloads across data centers to leverage geographical differences in
energy costs and renewable energy availability, further enhancing efficiency. The impact of
virtualization and cloud computing on energy efficiency goes beyond individual enterprises. By

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A study on Green Computing practices for eco-friendly IT Resources and Applications Section A -Research paper

centralizing resources and offering them as shared services, cloud providers can achieve
economies of scale that promote energy-efficient practices. Additionally, virtualization and cloud
platforms provide tools for workload management and load balancing, ensuring that computing
resources are used efficiently and evenly distributed across servers, contributing to optimal energy
consumption. However, while virtualization and cloud computing hold great promise for green
computing, their benefits are not automatic. Overprovisioning virtual machines or inefficient
resource management can lead to energy waste. Striking the right balance between provisioning
enough resources to meet demand and avoiding excess resource allocation is crucial to achieve
energy efficiency. Moreover, data privacy, security, and data center location choices can impact
the overall environmental footprint of cloud services.
3.4 Renewable Energy Integration
The integration of renewable energy sources into the realm of green computing has emerged
as a powerful strategy to mitigate the environmental impact of information technology operations.
As the demand for computing resources continues to rise, the reliance on traditional fossil fuel-
based energy sources exacerbates carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Renewable
energy integration presents a compelling solution that aligns technology-driven activities with
sustainable practices, offering numerous benefits for both the environment and the IT industry.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, harness the
Earth's natural processes to generate clean energy. Their environmentally friendly nature, coupled
with the ever-improving efficiency of renewable energy technologies, positions them as viable
alternatives to conventional energy sources for powering data centers, server farms, and other
computing facilities. Energy usage of different IT major [10] is shown in figure 2.

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Clean Energy Coal Natural gas Nuclear Power Others

Amazon Microsoft Google Apple Facebook

Fig. 2 Energy usage by IT major

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Solar energy, for instance, captures sunlight and converts it into electricity through photovoltaic
cells. Integrating solar panels onto rooftops or open areas of data centers allows them to generate
electricity on-site, reducing dependency on grid power and decreasing carbon emissions. Similarly,
wind turbines capitalize on wind energy to produce electricity, making them suitable for data
centers located in windy regions. Hydroelectric power exploits the energy of flowing water to
generate electricity. While large-scale hydroelectric dams may not be practical for data centers,
smaller-scale installations near water sources can provide sustainable power options. Geothermal
energy taps into the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity, making it a promising choice for
computing facilities located in regions with geothermal activity. The main advantage of renewable
energy integration is its potential to achieve energy neutrality or even energy surplus. Excess
energy generated during non-peak usage periods can be stored or fed back into the grid,
contributing to overall energy sustainability. This surplus energy can also be allocated to power
energy-intensive tasks during peak usage times, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of
computing operations. However, renewable energy integration does come with challenges. The
intermittent nature of some renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, requires efficient
energy storage solutions to ensure a continuous power supply. Battery technologies, energy storage
systems, and demand response strategies play crucial roles in maintaining consistent energy
availability. Moreover, the geographic and climatic factors influencing renewable energy
availability must be considered when designing data centers or choosing computing facility
locations. Areas with abundant solar exposure or strong wind patterns are ideal candidates for
renewable energy-powered computing installations.

4. Sustainable IT services
Sustainable IT services encompass a spectrum of practices aimed at reducing the carbon
footprint of IT operations, optimizing resource usage, and aligning technology-driven endeavors
with ecological preservation. The section outlines the core tenets that underpin sustainable IT
services, including energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
4.1 Significance and Objectives
Sustainable IT services stand at the crossroads of technology and environmental responsibility.
As the digital sphere continues to expand, so does the energy consumption and carbon emissions
associated with IT operations. The significance of sustainable IT services lies in their potential to
mitigate these impacts by optimizing resource usage, minimizing energy consumption, and
aligning technology-driven endeavors with ecological preservation. These services not only foster
energy efficiency but also embody a commitment to sustainable practices that resonate with
environmentally conscious stakeholders.
4.2 Core Components and Practices
At the heart of sustainable IT services are energy-efficient practices, renewable energy
integration, and resource optimization. These components collectively drive the reduction of

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carbon emissions and resource depletion. Energy-efficient data center design, exemplified by
virtualization and efficient cooling techniques, plays a pivotal role in curbing energy consumption.
By harnessing renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, sustainable IT services
usher in clean energy solutions that power digital operations responsibly. The integration of cloud
computing further enhances resource utilization through dynamic allocation and scalability,
minimizing waste and energy inefficiencies.
4.3 Challenges and Solutions
Implementing sustainable IT services is not without challenges. Initial costs, technological
complexities, and the need for seamless integration pose hurdles. However, solutions abound.
Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders can streamline the adoption of best practices,
and governmental support in the form of incentives and regulations can incentivize eco-friendly
technology investments. Additionally, increased awareness and education within organizations can
help bridge the knowledge gap and foster a culture of sustainability.

5. Conclusion
In conclusion, energy-efficient hardware and design are integral components of the green
computing movement, offering the potential to revolutionize the technology landscape while
minimizing its ecological impact. The evolution of low-power processors, memory technologies,
and innovative system architectures exemplify the concerted efforts to create energy-efficient
computing ecosystems. In addition, virtualization and cloud computing are key enablers of green
computing goals by enhancing resource utilization, reducing energy consumption, and promoting
sustainable practices. As the demand for computing resources continues to grow, these
technologies offer scalable solutions that align with environmental concerns while enabling
businesses to operate efficiently and competitively. Careful consideration of workload
management, resource provisioning, and data center strategies is essential to fully realize the
environmental benefits that virtualization and cloud computing bring to the forefront of the
technological landscape. Integration of renewable energy is a proactive approach towards green
computing, showcasing how technology can coexist harmoniously with the environment. By
leveraging renewable energy sources to power computing operations, businesses and organizations
can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, minimize energy costs, and contribute to global
sustainability goals.
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