Cloud services: Environmental effects of services based on low-carbon and resource-recycling systems utilizing our own data centers

Start

From June 2019 to March 2020

Technology and Business model

•Fujitsu provides a cloud service which using own data centers as a cloud service provides users with the following advantage: Resource optimization, Strengthening of　business continuity, Realizing stable operation of systems, and Reduction in maintenance burden. In addition, Environmental aspect of Cloud service

•Fujitsu provides a cloud service that uses optimized operations in all phases of the life cycle from environmental aspect This includes the design for environment of ICT equipment, optimized operation of ICT infrastructure in data centers equipped with cutting-edge security and robust equipment, and resource collection at recycling centers. Consolidating servers in data centers makes it possible to do more efficient server operation and data processing than using on-premises servers. Servers are normally sold as junk or as reused products after they pass the retirement age for use on the customer side and their processing capacity declines. However, Fujitsu realizes highly efficient resource collection regarding ICT equipment, such as servers and storage in data centers in-house in the processes of reusing them for maintenance parts (utilizing refurbished parts), or recycling them after use. In addition, by optimizing air-conditioning equipment through introducing artificial intelligence (AI) control,　and implementing energy-saving operations at data centers, Fujitsu contributes to reducing its environmental burden in terms of resources and energy.

•In order to quantitatively evaluate the avoided emissions in terms of low carbon and resource circulation, the "Cloud service business utilizing its own data center" was studied as one business case study of the Ministry of the Environment's "Fiscal year 2019 Outsourced evaluation and verification of low-carbon resource recycling systems utilizing IT, etc." conducted a measurement of the avoided effects in greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource utilizations, waste and other emissions. As a result, we clarified measures to replace electricity used in data centers with renewable energy, which is a major part of our environmental impact.

•In fiscal year 2021, FJCloud decided to introduce 100% of renewable energy by fiscal year 2022, accelerating its efforts. By clarifying the effects of resource recycling, we confirmed the advantages of operating the data center as a manufacturer from the perspective of the circular economy. Therefore, the significance of providing total support for ICT equipment functions, maintenance processes and systems that make maximum use of the functions of parts, and recycling processes was demonstrated. We are promoting Digital Transformation (DX) to promote social systems to be greener and sustainable by utilizing cloud services utilizing our own data centers as a solution to promote the environmental value from both the aspects of CO2 reduction and resource circulation.

Result and Targets

Presentation on EcoBalance 2020

(The 14thInternational Conference on EcoBalance4-5th of March 2021)

Title: Environmental impacts of　servicizing :A case study of Life Cycle Assessment in Cloud services with a low carbon and resource　circulation system

URL

Fujitsu HP related page: ”Conducting LCA in Servicizing”

https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/environment/lca/

EcoBalance 2020(The 14thInternational Conference on EcoBalance4-5th of March 2021)

https://www.ecobalanceconference.org/conference/2020/pdf/EcoBalance2020Abstract_0225.pdf

Title: Environmental impacts of　servicizing :A case study of Life Cycle Assessment in Cloud services with a low carbon and resource　circulation system