Data sustainability: The world’s dirty secret

Did you know that 68% of the world’s data is never accessed or used after its creation? Think of all the wasted energy and resources that go into maintaining data that isn’t used.  

The storage of superfluous data is increasingly problematic as the total volume of the world's data continues to grow exponentially. NetApp is working with companies around the world to stop this waste. We explored this issue on Amazon’s The Futurist, a docuseries that explores cutting-edge technology, innovation, and sustainability. The episode tackles current and future issues regarding data storage, what we can do to increase sustainability, and the partnership between NetApp and the Aston Martin F1® Team. 

Today, data centres use about 2% of the world’s electricity, and storage consumes 15% to 20% of that. That may not sound like much, but that percentage is predicted to quadruple to 8% by 2030. In some countries, the percentage of electricity used by data centers is much higher. For example, Ireland uses 18% of its electricity supply to maintain large data centres. This is the same amount of electricity that is consumed by all urban dwellings in Ireland. Energy use itself isn’t necessarily the problem—it’s how the energy is generated.  

In the Futurist episode, Paul and I highlight simple actions that businesses can take to reduce the carbon emissions from their data storage. One of the primary recommendations is to take responsibility for the data you’re collecting. Use data analytics to fully map out what your data landscape looks like. Business professionals always want as much data as possible to power their decision making but ask yourself what data you actually need and how you’ll use it. If you don’t have a clear use in mind, that data may not be worth the emissions it’s creating.  

If you’re using older equipment to store your data, it may be time to upgrade. Newer equipment is much more energy efficient. If you’re managing your own data centres, be sure to budget for periodic hardware and equipment upgrades to stay efficient. Alternatively, you could also choose to use cloud storage (where the cloud provider can truly demonstrate lower emissions) and rely on a partner to maximize energy efficiency. 

We also discuss the use of AI in data storage and management, touching on organization and reducing attack vectors. AI has the potential to be very helpful in data management in the future as data storage increases each year.  

One of the most important parts of this episode of The Futurist is the in-depth look at how NetApp is working with the Aston Martin F1 Team to help them contribute to reaching F1’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2030. This is a real-world example of how companies can work toward sustainability in unique ways. The episode includes a look inside the new facility, where the data centre is outfitted with highly efficient NetApp® storage devices. It is also equipped with solar panels, water recycling, and other technology to make the building more efficient.  

Clare Lansley, CIO of the Aston Martin F1 Team, explains just how important data storage is when it comes to car performance. Traveling and racing around the world requires the transport of what is basically a miniature data centre to the circuits The more efficient the transport, the less emissions are created.  

This episode of The Futurist focuses on the often-overlooked problems of data storage from a sustainability standpoint. There’s a lot of value in the discussions and recommendations around sustainable data storage and how NetApp can help make it happen. I’m proud of the NetApp team and the changes we’re bringing to the world. Watch the episode to learn more about data sustainability and how you can make an impact.