by Shane Henson — August 3, 2011—The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Verizon have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could lead to the development of innovative ways to reduce energy use in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.
Through this first-of-its-kind agreement between an ICT company and a DOE national laboratory, NREL’s work with Verizon could produce a blueprint for energy efficient operations in one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world on a square-foot basis. Verizon will advance its goals to become more efficient in its own operations and provide customers with intelligent efficiency solutions.
NREL and Verizon will share expertise and resources in several areas under the MOU:
- Energy efficiency and energy management at Verizon’s buildings and facilities.
- Energy efficiency and energy management at Verizon’s data centers.
- Advancement of smart grid technologies and best practices, including energy and communication technologies in homes and buildings.
NREL officials say the ICT industry consumes three percent of U.S. electricity, half of which is by telecommunications. The application of digital intelligence in the operation of offices and data centers reportedly offers a significant opportunity to save money and energy, and to reduce environmental impact.
