Computer and Telecommunication s Energy Management Plan Standard Operating Procedures Consolidation Reduction Cessation Introduction Technology is an integral component of university operations. Technology services require electricity for their delivery. Disruptions of electrical services will, therefore, disrupt university operations. Planning for these disruptions will minimize the negative impact. This plan details four levels of actions to be taken depending upon the severity of the energy emergency. Level Zero Standard Operating Procedures The Computer and Telecommunication s department employs a variety of energy conservation measures as a part of its normal operations. These measures are taken continuously regardless of whether or not an energy emergency situation exists. These measures include: Automatic computer shutdown in remote computer labs: Since 2002, special software has been in use on computers in the Lakeside Center, Housing IV Center, and Townsend Residential Life Center. Workstations left unattended and/or unused for 15 minutes are automatically logged off and shut down. This was extended to all computer labs in 2005. Automatic computer shutdown in electronic classrooms: Since 2003, special software has been in use on computers in the electronic classrooms. Workstations left unattended and/or unused for 60 minutes are automatically logged off and shut down. Monitoring of computer labs: Student labworkers regularly monitor the D-Wing computer labs and shut down workstations that are not in use. Energy efficient equipment: All hardware purchased is Energy Star compliant. Faculty, staff, and lab workstations configurations: LCD panels consume 50% less energy than other types of monitors. LCD panels are standard for all campus computers workstation configuration.
Server virtualization: The use of technology has resulted in growing demands for application servers. To stay within the limits our power availability and to reduce the power demands in our data center, we have installed blades and have implemented server virtualization. The same set of CPUs, memory, and disk farms service multiple applications. Server monitoring: Monitoring processes are in place to keep a close eye on server temperatures. alerts allow us to handle any issues promptly. Level One Consolidation During periods of high energy consumption, it may be necessary to immediately reduce energy consumption on campus for brief periods of time. Under these conditions, the following actions can be taken: Campus notification: Notify the campus of the energy emergency via e-mail and campus web page (Network Status page) and gostockton Portal (Campus Announcements) with suggestions to power down non-essential computer equipment, especially printers, copiers, and fax machines which are not used on a continuous basis. Lab use consolidation: Perform a head count of users in the computer labs to determine the number of workstations needed. Consolidate users in the minimum number of labs needed and close remaining facilities. Lab closure sign included on the next page. Server shutdown: Shut down servers not in use due to lab closures. Power down unused equipment: During summer sessions, shut down network gear in unpopulated campus housing areas. Monitor electronic classrooms: Using remote control capabilities, visit each electronic classroom at the beginning of each class module to be sure that unused workstations, projectors, amplifiers, and document cameras, are powered down.
Level Two Reduction Electronic equipment is negatively affected by insufficient power levels. The central computing systems and telecomm systems are currently covered by a local generator and the University should be able to keep central services available because of this. However, this protection is not available to the campus as a whole. During periods of high energy consumption that tax the regional power grid and result in rolling brown outs or rolling blackouts, additional cuts to power consumption in other areas can be taken: Campus Notification: Prior to taking the steps below, notify the campus via e- mail, voice mail, and main web page that Level Two actions will be taken. Housing Network: Power down network equipment in the housing areas. This will likely result in the concomitant event of reduced student computer use and power consumption. Staff Re-location: Re-locate key administrative functions requiring technical services to a computer lab in Building 30 and turn off power, where appropriate to other buildings. Network gear: Power of network gear serving administrative offices that have temporarily re-located. Telephone : Establish temporary telephone service in Building 30 lab. Generator: Cutover machine room and telecomm equipment to local generator. This will require action on the part of the Electrical crew. Backup Site: Monitor equipment in Bldg 81. In the case of a full blackout, shutdown this equipment. Level Three Cessation In the event of a prolonged power outage, full technology services will be severely limited only core administrative applications and the campus web page will be available. The current disaster recovery site on campus is not supported by a generator and action will need to be taken to protect the data on the audit significant systems Campus Notification: Prior to taking the steps below, notify the campus via available communication streams and the main campus web page that Level Three actions will be taken.
Mirror Site: Transport mirror/backup system from building 81 to Building 30 machine room. Power up mirror/backup systems. Restore mirror status and resynchronize database. Limited Workstations: Bring in a limited number of laptops from MobiLAN cart located in Library for use by administrative staff in D-130. Administrative staff functions to be covered during the emergency will be designated by the President's Office. Telephone : Establish temporary phone service in D-130.