Does it sound silly that having a clean database can help the environment?  Think about it.  If you maintain fewer records, churn through a smaller universe every time you need information,  send out fewer and more targeted email messages and require less data storage, all those combined actions do have an impact on energy consumption.

Data centers are energy-intensive. They are estimated to account for around 1% of worldwide electricity use, according to Science magazine.  As our reliance on data increases in today’s digital environment, that number can easily grow.

Here are some ways you can help to lighten your data usage, consumption and storage.

• Keep your database clean.  There are posts about doing this here, here, and here.
• Monitor the regular reports you get from your service providers.  Eliminate obsolete ones.
• Test. Segment. Adjust. Repeat.  Focused marketing efforts will mean fewer emails going out Every. Single.Time. you communicate with your customers, less waste.
• Ask your customers HOW they want to hear from you, and how often.
• Home or business?  Ask your clients WHERE they want to hear from you.
• A bigger project, but if you can simplify your technology platforms, your organization may be able to eliminate the usage of one entire system.

Database management. It’s one surprising way organizations can help to decrease the global energy demand.

The journey continues. Cindy