Victoria University has selected IBM to design and build its first green data center.

The agreement which was signed in March, will enable Victoria University to achieve a 'single logical data center' across two physical sites underpinned by cost-effective design whilst expecting savings of up to AUS$300,000 in power costs in the next decade.

The project involves IBM implementing a modular design approach to enable the University to minimize start-up energy demands from the existing site electrical supply. IBM will also employ an in-row cooling solution which offers targeted cooling at the heat load source, combined with free cooling chiller plant technology to leverage the favourable Melbourne climate. Smaller uninterruptible power supply (UPS) module sizes will be used to maximize the amount of usable power and UPS efficiency. This will all result in both substantial energy savings and the elimination of hot spots to provide an optimum equipment operating environment.

Energy efficiency is also important to the University. The solution is cost-effective to own and operate, with up to 45 percent less power consumption than a conventional design, potentially saving more than 300,000 kilowatts per year of energy.

"The IBM solution will help the University avoid more than 230 metric tons of CO2 carbon emissions per year," said Malcolm Mackay, IBM Australia Executive, Site and Facilities Services.