What is a Data Centre?
A Data Centre is a central location where computer systems and associated components are housed. It includes computing servers, hard drives for data storage, cooling systems, back-up power supplies, electronic security equipment and a robust internet connection for communication. They house email systems, web pages, phone systems, security systems and are typically the infrastructure that enables all of our modern forms of communications.
How do we use it?
Our Data Centre is a tool that enables Earth Rangers to be increasingly productive while minimizing energy consumption. Cisco EnergyWise servers and switches intelligently route and direct traffic for our email, phone, video, integrated building automation and services. Despite this, our 10 m2 room consumes 10% of the energy used by the building, reinforcing the need to carefully manage IT services and the increasing number of devices that connect to our network.
How does it make us more sustainable?
The Data Centre houses our office support systems efficiently while keeping our data secure, yet available, when and wherever we need it. It also enables us to be more efficient in how we collaborate with each other and our partners. New collaboration tools like Cisco TelePresence allow us to collaborate with our partners while avoiding travelling time, expense and the resulting carbon emissions.