I was listening to Mike Manos’s Chiller Side chat discussion hosted by DataCenterKnowledge’s Rich Miller. One point Mike made was the challenge of facilities and IT having different views of what the data center needs to be. Many of the questions were about power and cooling systems, so I think most of the listeners didn’t know how to address Mike’s challenge for facilities and IT working together.

Later in Mike’s conversation he discussed the issue of the carbon footprint from power production as an issue for data centers and the need to think about this as part of a green data center strategy. In fact, Mike mentioned green IT often.

I was going to ask Mike “What is an example of what you have found works to bridge the gap between facilities and IT?” Unfortunately, there was technical problems so I couldn’t ask the question.

So I came up with my own answer. “Discuss the carbon footprint of site selection as facilities and IT personnel evaluate locations.” To get the lowest carbon footprint requires the teams to work together to evaluate the alternatives and the trade-offs.

I know Mike uses this strategy as he selects sites for Digital Realty Trust and its customers.

Do you?

I am a panel moderator at Data Center Dynamics Seattle on Aug 6, 2009 for the closing session on Carbon: Risk or Opportunity?

The session description is:

PANEL: Carbon: Risk or Opportunity?
Implementing a Strategy to Manage Your Data Center's Carbon Risk Exposure
David Ohara, Founder and Architect - Green M3
Leonard A. Ruff AIA, Director – Callison Architecture, 7X24 Exchange Northwest Chapter
Global carbon regulation is arguably the largest risk and opportunity most corporations will face in the beginning of the 21st century. Voluntary and mandatory reporting protocols are emerging. Questions we will ask:

What does it mean in the context of the data center industry?

How can an organization know it’s true carbon footprint and exposure?

What options are available to manage corporate carbon risk?

What help is available from Govt. and NGOs?

What impact can energy efficiency programs have on reducing a corporation’s carbon footprint?

Where should you be on the roadmap?

I plan on using my blog to discuss this topic before the event. If you have input feel free to comment on this topic.