Benchmarking
Energy benchmarking is one of the key tools for achieving increased energy performance in data centers. As a top-level indicator of savings potential, benchmarked results for actual data centers show a 10-fold variation [chart] in electric power requirements per square foot of floor area. Other studies [chart] have found similar results. Benchmarking begins to be more valuable when extended to the end-use level [chart | table]. An example of more specialized benchmarks is the percentage of total data center energy use devoted to HVAC.
Read an overview presentation [download] on the approaches and uses for benchmarking.
The key to benchmarking is selecting appropriate metrics.
Benchmarking serves several important purposes:
- to establish a baseline for typical facility energy use
- to provide comparison to other similar facilities and/or similar systems highlight energy intensive systems and components
- to highlight areas of potential improvement
- to identify maintenance or operating problems
- to establish best practices for use in future designs
We have developed in-depth benchmarking case-study reports for 14 data centers.
A Self-benchmarking Guide is tailored for use in data center environments and will enable you to implement your own benchmarking process.