A bank’s data center is a vital component of its operations. Nepal based NIC ASIA Bank has optimized its data center to embrace Green IT. This optimization includes server virtualization and consolidation, reducing the number of physical machines, and transitioning to energy-efficient hardware. The bank has also improved cooling efficiency through hot/cold aisle containment.
Bapin Rajbhandari, Chief Technology Officer of the bank, underscores the pivotal role of cloud services in enhancing sustainability, particularly through cloud migration and hybrid cloud solutions, which contribute to more energy-efficient data centers. The bank has implemented energy-efficient policies, such as power management settings and scheduling intensive tasks for off-peak hours, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Energy management software and automated controls have been deployed to monitor and optimize energy usage, enhancing overall efficiency.
Tackling Electronic Waste
In the realm of electronic waste management, NIC ASIA Bank has established on-site collection points for employees to dispose of electronic devices properly. A robust IT asset management system has been put in place to monitor the lifecycle of electronic devices, with a focus on refurbishment and reuse to extend their lifespan and curtail new purchases.
Cultivating Green IT
Bapin Rajbhandari has been instrumental in establishing comprehensive training programs to educate employees on the importance of e-waste recycling and proper disposal methods. These initiatives have informed employees about the environmental impact of electronic waste and the benefits of recycling.
He explains: “On-site collection points have been established at office locations to facilitate employees’ proper disposal of electronic devices. Further, the annual IT training schedule includes a session on green technology, using a ‘train the trainer’ approach to empower technology staff to educate the bank’s 3500 employees on sustainable practices.”
Reporting Green Milestones
The IT department provides detailed reports to management and regulators, showcasing the bank’s green milestones. Bapin delves into 3 sets of reports that document the green journey. First is the Sustainability Progress Reports. They overview the bank’s sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy usage, efficiency improvements, and progress toward carbon reduction targets. The IT department provides detailed reports to management and regulators, showcasing the bank’s green milestones.
Second is the Green IT Infrastructure Reports. They focus on deploying and performing energy-efficient IT infrastructure, providing energy savings, operational efficiencies, and environmental benefits metrics.
Third is Energy Consumption Reports. They offer insights into the IT operations’ energy consumption, emphasizing the shift towards renewable resources and the reduction in non-renewable energy dependence. Bapin highlights: “Green IT Infrastructure Reports focus on deploying and performing energy-efficient IT infrastructure, such as servers, cooling systems, and data centers. They provide metrics on energy savings, operational efficiencies, and environmental benefits.”
Through these comprehensive efforts, NIC ASIA Bank is enhancing its IT infrastructure and setting an example for the industry regarding environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
Read more:
Midland Microfin: Robust Recycling with Certified Recyclers
