How green is your cloud? Guide to building a more sustainable stack

Whether you’re running a startup or an established company, the way you use the cloud can have a big impact on the environment. This guide will help you figure out how green your cloud is and give you some tips on making it even greener.

The environmental impact of cloud computing

Cloud computing is incredibly efficient and convenient, but it’s important to take a look at its environmental footprint, too. Data centers, which power the cloud, use a ton of energy to keep servers running and cool, which translates to a pretty big carbon footprint. However, cloud computing can actually be more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises data centers. By optimizing how we use the cloud, we can reduce our environmental impact and make a positive difference.

Green initiatives of top cloud providers

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud Platform has made substantial commitments to sustainability. By 2030, Google aims to run all its data centers on carbon-free energy 24/7. The company has been carbon-neutral since 2007 and matched its energy usage with 100% renewable energy by 2017.

Google uses AI to optimize energy usage in its data centers, which are among the most energy-efficient globally. They also explore innovative data center designs, such as floating data centers that make use of natural cooling methods, and promote recycling and reuse of electronic components to support a circular economy.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS has become a leader in sustainability by combining technology, strategic investments, and ambitious goals. By 2023, AWS had already met its 2030 target for 100% renewable energy (2023 AWS sustainability report) and is now aiming to be net-zero carbon by 2040.

AWS’s infrastructure is much more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises data centers. It uses advanced modeling and simulation to make its data centers run as efficiently as possible. AWS also has strong programs for extending the life of its equipment and recycling hardware to reduce waste.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is equally committed to sustainability with some impressive goals. Microsoft has pledged to be carbon-negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. They also aim to eliminate all their historical carbon emissions by 2050. Today, Microsoft’s data centers are powered by 60% renewable energy, with plans to hit 100% by 2025.

Microsoft focuses on smart water management, invests in large-scale renewable energy projects, and is developing the Planetary Computer to help monitor and manage Earth’s natural resources more effectively.

How to evaluate your cloud’s sustainability

Review sustainability reports

Most major cloud providers, like Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure, publish annual sustainability reports. These reports outline their progress on renewable energy use, carbon emissions reduction, and other green initiatives. By reviewing these reports, you can see how committed your provider is to sustainability and the specific actions they are taking.

Check third-party certifications

Third-party certifications provide an unbiased assessment of a provider’s green credentials. Look for certifications like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) or Energy Star ratings for data centers. These certifications indicate a commitment to high environmental standards and continuous improvement in sustainability practices. Additionally, certifications from organizations like the Green Electronics Council can further validate a provider’s sustainability efforts.

Consider data center locations

The location of your cloud provider’s data centers can significantly impact their sustainability. Data centers in regions with abundant renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, generally have a smaller environmental footprint. For example, AWS has achieved 100% renewable energy in 19 regions by 2022 and continues to invest in renewable energy projects. Understanding where your data centers are located can help you choose a provider that aligns with your sustainability goals.

Calculate your cloud’s carbon footprint

Use tools and methodologies to measure your cloud’s carbon emissions. This data will help you identify areas for improvement. Providers like Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure offer carbon footprint calculators that allow you to estimate the emissions associated with your cloud usage. These tools can provide insights into how your cloud operations impact the environment and where you can make changes to reduce your footprint.

Key metrics to consider

• Energy consumption per unit of compute: Measures the amount of energy used for each unit of computational power. Lower values indicate better efficiency.
• Carbon footprint per terabyte of data stored: Helps understand the environmental impact of your data storage practices.
• Water usage: Some data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling. Understanding water usage can highlight opportunities for conservation.
• Waste generated: Evaluating the waste generated by your cloud operations can help you implement better recycling and waste management practices.

How to build a greener cloud

Optimize resource usage

Improving your cloud’s sustainability begins with optimizing resource usage. This involves setting up auto-scaling to ensure you only use the computing power you need, right-sizing instances, and shutting down resources when they’re not in use.

These practices can significantly reduce the energy your cloud services consume and improve efficiency. For example, implementing auto-scaling with AWS Auto Scaling or Google Kubernetes Engine can dynamically adjust resources based on demand, reducing idle instances and saving energy.

• Rightsizing instances: Ensure your virtual machines have the appropriate resources to avoid overprovisioning. Tools like Azure’s VM right-sizing or AWS Compute Optimizer can help you identify and adjust instances to match your workload needs.
• Auto-scaling: Adjust compute resources based on demand to prevent idle servers. This not only saves energy but also reduces costs. Google Cloud’s auto-scaling and AWS’s auto-scaling groups are examples of services that can help optimize resource usage.
• Scheduling: Optimize workloads to run during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower. This can be managed through scheduled scaling policies available in most cloud platforms.
• Serverless computing: Consider using serverless functions to reduce idle time. Services like AWS Lambda or Azure Functions automatically scale and charge only for the compute time you consume.

Adopt sustainable software practices

Efficient coding practices can also help reduce your cloud’s environmental impact. This means writing code that requires less processing power and storage. Implementing features like auto-scaling and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling can adjust energy use based on demand, making your operations more efficient. Additionally, consider adopting sustainable coding practices and responsible cloud resource utilization to further reduce energy consumption.

• Efficient coding: Write optimized code to minimize processing power and memory usage. Use algorithms and data structures that are energy efficient.
• Data management: Implement data retention policies and data optimization techniques to reduce storage needs. Regularly clean up unused data and optimize data storage.
• Cloud-native services: Leverage cloud-native services designed for efficiency and scalability. These services often include built-in optimizations for performance and energy use.

Choose green cloud solutions

Look for cloud services that prioritize sustainability in their design and operation. Some providers use innovative cooling methods and other technologies to reduce energy consumption. For instance, Google Cloud employs AI to optimize energy usage within its data centers, and AWS focuses on advanced modeling and simulation techniques to enhance data center efficiency. Choosing these greener options can make a significant impact.

Engage in circular economy practices

Consider how you handle your hardware to extend its lifecycle and reduce waste. Reusing and recycling equipment can significantly lower your environmental impact. Many cloud providers offer programs to help with equipment refurbishment and recycling, so take advantage of these options. For example, AWS’s reverse logistics hubs play a crucial role in recovering and reusing equipment, minimizing the environmental impact of end-of-life management.

Making your cloud usage more sustainable is key to cutting down your company’s environmental impact. Get to know your cloud provider’s green initiatives, optimize your resource use, and adopt eco-friendly practices to really make a difference. These steps not only help the planet but also save you money, boost efficiency, and improve your company’s reputation.

At Revolgy, we help companies go green by optimizing cloud usage, adopting AI solutions, reducing unnecessary expenses, and training your team to adopt sustainable practices. Our expertise in cloud infrastructure ensures you get the most out of your cloud while minimizing your environmental footprint.

Read next: Top 10 best practices for sustainability in cloud with Google Cloud Platform