Sustainability in HPC Centers

Due to its special requirements most of the standard green IT concepts for saving energy cannot be applied to HPC centers. Other aspects of sustainability have not been applied to HPC centers yet. Based on these requirements a sustainability concept specifically tailored to HPC centers will be developed.

Derived goals of this project are the reduction of energy consumption and environmentally harmful materials. A CO2 neutral operation of a large data center like HLRS is only a long term goal. Therefore the possibilities of technical and biotic compensation will be evaluated. The fiscal and legal situation of a state university has to be considered.

Read more about Sustainability at HLRS.

This concept will be implemented at HLRS. Due to the long innovation cycles in facilities and infrastructure – much longer than in IT - such a concept cannot be implemented to its full extend within the timeframe of this project. Instead, the main focus will be put on an analysis of the current state and the development of suitable targets. Actions to be taken will be prioritized according to the time needed to implement energy savings and cost reductions which are achievable.

Improving sustainability requires the active participation of all staff members. Therefore the Akademie für Natur- und Umweltschutz Baden-Württemberg develops HPC-specific seminars. They are annually offered to all HLRS staff to improve their awareness and educate on all aspects of sustainability.

The project "Sustainability in HPC Centers" has been extended through the project "Sustainability in HPC Centers II." Starting on January 1, 2017, the project has a running time of 3 years. The continuing project is financed by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg and is being conducted in cooperation with the Akademie für Natur- und Umweltschutz Baden-Württemberg.