OMAHA: IDG’s Computerworld has named Union Pacific Railroad to its Top Green-IT Organizations list as a result of the railroad’s efforts to reduce energy by implementing green information technology systems.
Since 2008, Union Pacific has increased its computing capacity by almost 200 percent and disk storage capacity by close to 700 percent, while decreasing energy consumption in the data center by nearly 14 percent.
“We made a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption,” said Lynden Tennison, Union Pacific senior vice president and CIO. “We’ve done that largely by equipment modernization. For example, we use more blade servers instead of older, large towers.”
Union Pacific implemented energy efficient HVAC and building automation controls, power management software and server virtualization, and revised its data center layout to reduce power demand. In addition, Union Pacific uses alternative energy supplies such as solar to provide power to IT systems.
The railroad has programs in place to educate IT personnel on green products. Employees are trained to consider the power efficiencies of new or replacement hardware or green equipment options. Employees participate in conferences and webinars about energy efficient practices and new technologies and use that information to develop energy efficient solutions for company facilities.
To view the full list of Top Green-IT Organizations and criteria for the list visit www.computerworld.com/topgreen10.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and safe mode of freight transportation.