31 March 2011 - Data Centres (DCs) in Singapore can now look forward to a set of standards to help them put in place the necessary policies, systems and processes to improve their energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
Singapore, 31 March 2011 | For Immediate Release
Data Centres (DCs) in Singapore can now look forward to a set of standards to help them put in place the necessary policies, systems and processes to improve their energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact. Developed by the IT Standards Committee (ITSC) together with Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and SPRING Singapore, the Singapore Standard for Green Data Centres - Energy and Environmental Management Systems (SS564:2010) - is a certifiable management system that provides DCs with a framework and methodology to achieve energy efficiency. This is modeled after established international management system standards, and is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continual improvement framework.
The Singapore Standard also includes recommended metrics for DCs to measure and track their performance in energy efficiency, and identify the potential areas for improvement. With the Standard, DCs can adopt best practices to help manage their mechanical and electrical systems, IT equipment and data centre design.
Among the first to adopt the Singapore Standard for Green Data Centres SS564 are seven organizations from both the public and private sectors. These organizations have substantial data centres to support their business operations. They are 1-Net, National Library Board , Singapore Telecommunications, Resorts World Sentosa, IBM, Keppel Datahub, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) High Performance
Computing Centre.
"Data centres are critical in supporting the development and operations of nearly every sector of the economy. At the same time, they are contributors to the carbon footprint given their heavy usage of energy. The Singapore Standard for Green Data Centres is therefore very timely and will enable greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in our data centres," said RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer
of IDA.
In Singapore, the 10 largest data centre operators consume energy equivalent to 130,000 households. In addition, the commercial data centre space in Singapore is forecast by BroadGroup to grow 50% from 2010 to 2015. Data centre-related costs will also continue to increase, largely driven by energy costs. Gartner estimated that energy-related costs account for approximately 12% of overall data centre expenditure and is the fastest rising cost in the data centre. Capturing these cost savings for Singapore on a concerted basis will provide a significant boost to the cost competitiveness of Singapore's DC industry.
"The Singapore Standard for Green Data Centres SS564 provides a framework and methodology to measure their energy efficiency. The methodology serves as a common benchmark to help data centres track their performance and identify areas for improvement. Certified data centres not only benefit from reduced costs and higher efficiency, they can also gain recognition from their clients and industry partners for good energy and environment management practices. This will help open up market opportunities for these companies," said RADM(NS) Tan Kai Hoe, Deputy Chief Executive of SPRING Singapore.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
AND SPRING SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing info-communications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, vist www.ida.gov.sg.
About SPRING Singapore
SPRING Singapore is the enterprise development agency for growing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SME sector. We work with partners to help enterprises in financing, capabilities and management development, technology and innovation, and access to markets. As the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING also develops and promotes internationally-recognised standards and quality assurance to enhance competitiveness and facilitate trade. Please visit www.spring.gov.sg for more information and news about SPRING Singapore.
For media clarification, please contact:
IDA
Miss Zohria Suzanna Nunis
Assistant Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 3874
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: zohria_nunis@imda.gov.sg
Ms Alice Chan
Senior Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 0979
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: alice_chan@imda.gov.sg
SPRING Singapore
Ms Geraldine Tan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6279 3199
Fax: +65 6659 0647
E-mail: geraldine_tan@spring.gov.sg
Ms Ho Chow Pheng
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6279 3770
Fax: +65 6659 0647
E-mail: ho_chow_pheng@spring.gov.sg
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