Green Success Stories puts Shawn Novak, Chief Revenue Officer of TECfusions in the Green Spotlight. Shawn describes the need for sustainability in the data center industry, and the revolutionary efforts he and TECfusions are engaged in in that direction.
Tell us a bit about your sustainability journey.
My journey into sustainability began during my time at Switch. I noticed that every RFI included a section on sustainability, but there was a significant gap in the market for a comprehensive sustainability qualification product. This realization motivated me to join nZero, where we developed software to track emissions across all scopes accurately.
The data center industry was heavily reliant on averages, which often led to inaccurate data. I firmly believe that “dirty data in is dirty data out,” and that we need precise, truthful measurements to drive meaningful change. Thus began my mission to help data centers manage their emissions and reduce operational costs effectively. I brought that experience with me to Redivider, building sustainable, fast-to-market data center solutions. Most recently, I joined TECfusions who is revolutionizing data center design and operations through adaptive reuse of shuttered industrial facilities. This practice is environmentally beneficial, reducing waste and conserving resources. We supplement that by bringing in our own microgrid power generation deployments to incorporate renewable energy as we expand each data center site.
I’m also proud to be a contributing author to “Greener Data, Volume 2,” where I shared my expertise and insights to help others in the industry design and operate their facilities with sustainability at the forefront. My focus has always been on driving the industry toward a more sustainable future by leveraging accurate data and innovative solutions.
Tell us a bit about the product or solution you offer.
TECfusions is revolutionizing the data center industry with our cutting-edge solutions designed for rapid deployment and unmatched efficiency. Our adaptive reuse facilities enable us to deliver data center deployments with remarkable speed, providing our tenants with much-needed solutions. By repurposing existing structures, we not only accelerate the deployment process, but also contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for new construction.
Our approach is centered on leveraging advanced technologies and innovative design principles to create state-of-the-art data centers that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. We focus on integrating renewable energy sources, such as natural gas, to minimize our environmental impact and lower operational costs.
Our team of experts brings decades of experience in data center design, construction, and operations. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new benchmarks for the industry. As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains clear: to provide our clients with the most advanced, efficient, and sustainable data center solutions available.
Share a green success story with us – how have you helped customers or other businesses in the fight against climate change?
One of our most impactful green success stories at TECfusions revolves around our innovative approach to building and operating data centers with a focus on sustainability. Our commitment to adaptive reuse has allowed us to repurpose existing structures, significantly reducing the environmental footprint associated with new construction. This strategy not only accelerates deployment times but also aligns with our mission to promote sustainability within the data center industry.
For instance, our data center in Clarksville, VA, exemplifies this approach. By transforming an existing facility into a state-of-the-art data center, we were able to bring it to market swiftly and sustainably. This project showcases our ability to deliver high-performance data centers while minimizing environmental impact.
We have also integrated renewable energy sources such as natural gas into our operations, which helps lower emissions and reduce operational costs. Our data centers are designed to achieve industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) metrics, reflecting our dedication to energy efficiency. By focusing on reducing energy consumption and emissions, we help our clients meet their sustainability goals and contribute to the broader fight against climate change.
In essence, TECfusions is driving the industry towards a more sustainable future by combining speed, efficiency, and sustainability in everything we do. Our adaptive reuse strategy, coupled with our commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, sets us apart as a leader in the fight against climate change.
What do you envision your industry looking like in ten years?
The data center industry has been slow to embrace innovation over the past 25 years, but I foresee a significant shift in the next decade. The first major change will be the widespread adoption of green technologies, particularly the move away from coal. Solving our sustainability issues hinges on this transition, and it will require strong demand from major hyperscale companies to drive the industry away from coal dependency.
In addition, the rise of AI companies, which have no Tier III requirements for uptime and can therefore take on more risk, could serve as a catalyst for innovation. These companies will opt for faster, more flexible solutions that demonstrate the efficacy of sustainable practices. By leading the charge, AI companies can set a precedent for the rest of the industry to follow.
I envision a future where these early adopters of green tech showcase the viability and benefits of sustainable operations, encouraging widespread adoption across the industry. This shift will not only address our current sustainability challenges but also pave the way for a more innovative and resilient data center landscape.
How should readers get in touch with you and/or your organization?
We encourage readers to follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tecfusions) or visit our website at http://www.tecfusions.net.
Kudos
Many thanks to Shawn Novak and TECfusions.
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