University of Twente Student Theses
Towards sustainable data centers: An analytical model of circular economy
Gorgan, Andrei-Victor (2024) Towards sustainable data centers: An analytical model of circular economy.
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| Abstract: | In the modern world of scarce resources and fast-paced development, sustainability and efficiency are growing concerns. This is evident in the rapid development and adoption of cloud computing. However, computing power in the context of cloud data centers uses a lot of resources and generates continuous waste such as heat, but also electronic waste. This study aims to bridge existing gaps in the research on the circular economy in data centers and propose directions for future exploration through a systematic review of the literature (SLR). The primary objective is to develop an updated Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model that includes the cost of decommissioning hardware. This addition provides a more accurate and holistic view of the financial impacts associated with data center operations, from acquisition and usage to end-of-life management. By integrating return-on-investment (ROI) into the model, the study ensures that sustainability practices do not compromise business profitability, demonstrating that environmentally friendly strategies can align with financial goals. \\ W designed and performed a comprehensive review of the literature and interviews with industry stakeholders to validate the proposed model. In addition, we examined case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the model in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that the findings are academically rigorous and practically applicable, offering actionable insights for industry professionals. The updated TCO model not only addresses financial aspects but also incorporates environmental and social costs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in data center operations. By incorporating these broader considerations, the model provides a robust framework to evaluate and improve sustainability in data centers, promoting a balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility. The newly designed model serves two purposes: the multitude of components we contribute to a better understanding of the contributing factors of data center sustainability, more specifically electronic waste, while on the other hand, the operational aspect of the model provides field professionals such as data center managers and operators with the tools required to make informed choices over the investments of the data center. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general, 43 environmental science, 50 technical science in general, 54 computer science, 83 economics, 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Information Technology MSc (60025) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/101089 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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