--- title: Five Best Practices in Enterprise Data Center Design description: "As many of us know, in traditional data centers, approximately one-half of the energy consumed goes to support IT equipment while the other half is used by support systems. Moreover, complexity and critical conditions have increased in recent years. Since the cost of downtime is high (a full shutdown costs more ... You may view the latest post at http://blog.emersonnetworkpower.com/thermal-management/five-best-practices-in-enterprise-data-center-design/" image: https://www.dvlnet.com/hs-fs/hub/29654/file-2352168537.png --- Critical Environments: Power, Cooling, and Infrastructure For HVAC Emergencies: **1-866-DVL-HVAC   |   **For UPS Emergencies: **1-800-LIEBERT**** **For Generator Emergencies in CO, NM, or WY:**303-953-3128** [![DVL_logo-beyond-the-product-v4](https://www.dvlnet.com/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/DVL_logo-beyond-the-product-v4.svg "DVL_logo-beyond-the-product-v4")](https://www.dvlnet.com) [![DVL_Main_mob_Logo](https://www.dvlnet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/DVL_Main_mob_Logo.png?width=293&height=146&name=DVL_Main_mob_Logo.png "DVL_Main_mob_Logo")](https://www.dvlnet.com) - [People](https://www.dvlnet.com/about-dvl-group) - [About DVL](https://www.dvlnet.com/about-dvl-group) - [Meet the Team](https://www.dvlnet.com/dvl-meet-the-team-business-leaders) - [Careers](https://www.dvlnet.com/careers) - [Safety at DVL](https://www.dvlnet.com/safety) - [Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion](https://www.dvlnet.com/inclusion) - Solutions - [Network Closets](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/networkclosets) - [Server Rooms](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/serverroomdesigns) - [Enterprise Colocation](https://www.dvlnet.com/solutions/colocation) - [Mission Critical Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/missioncriticalpower) - [Calculators and Tools](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/calculators) - [Services](https://www.dvlnet.com/services) - [HVAC Service](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/hvac) - [UPS Service](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/ups?zPage=Main-Categories-c46568ca&zContent=Maintenance-Services-27df58a3) - [Generator Services](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/generator) - [Total Site Management](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/totalsitemanagement) - [Starline Field Services](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/starline) - [Power Services](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/powerservices) - [Turnkey Program Management](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/constructionmanagement) - [Parts and Portable AC](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/partsandportable) - [Data Center Evaluations](https://www.dvlnet.com/services/data-center-evaluations) - [Products](https://www.dvlnet.com/products) - IT Infrastructure - [Vertiv](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv) - [Liebert Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv/liebertpower?zCustomPage=Uninterruptible%20Power%20Sources&zParentPage=Overview) - [Liebert Cooling ](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv/liebertcooling?zCustomPage=Thermal%20Management&zParentPage=Overview) - [Facilities & Racks](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv/racks?zCustomPage=Racks%20and%20Enclosures&zParentPage=Overview) - [ Monitoring](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv/monitoring?zCustomPage=Monitoring%20and%20Management&zParentPage=Overview) - [Geist Power Distribution](https://www.vertiv.com/en-us/products-catalog/critical-power/power-distribution/#/) - [Liebert Parts and Portable A/C](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/partsandportable) - Power Distribution - [Vertiv E+I Busway](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/mbx-busway) - [Starline](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/starline) - [Busway](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/starlinebusway) - [ Raceway](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/starlineraceway) - [ CPM](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/starlinemonitoring) - Switchgear Controls - [DVL Custom Power Controls](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/dvlcustompowercontrols) - [Catcher UPS](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/catcherupssystems) - Chiller Systems - [Systecon](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/systecon) - [Thermal Care](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/thermalcare) - [Haskris](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/haskris) - Monitoring - [Packet Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/packetpower) - [Critical Labs](https://criticallabs.com/) - [Vertiv Monitoring](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/vertiv/monitoring?zPage=Main-Categories-c46568ca&zContent=Monitoring-Control-and-Management-86a85893) - [Airthings](https://www.dvlnet.com/airthings-for-business) - [Generac Link Manager](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/generac-link-manager) - Generators - [Generac Industrial Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/generac) - [HIPOWER SYSTEMS](https://www.dvlnet.com/products/hipowersystems) - Resources - [Calculators and Tools](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/calculators) - [Starline Resources](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/starline) - [Case Studies](https://www.dvlnet.com/case-studies) - [Webinars](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/webinars) - [Podcasts](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/podcasts) - [Videos](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/videos) - [PECO Rebates](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/peco) - [Data Center Terms Glossary](https://www.dvlnet.com/resources/glossarycategory) - News & Events - [Blog](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.dvlnet.com/newsandevents/upcomingevents) - [News and Press](https://www.dvlnet.com/newsandevents/pressreleases) - [Contact Us](https://www.dvlnet.com/contact) For HVAC Emergencies, please call **1-866-DVL-HVAC** # Five Best Practices in Enterprise Data Center Design by [Emerson Network Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/author/emerson-network-power) on 1/15/15, 8:46 AM ![iCOM_supersaver_CW-units](https://www.dvlnet.com/hs-fs/hub/29654/file-2352168537.png?width=650&name=file-2352168537.png) As many of us know, in traditional data centers, approximately one-half of the energy consumed goes to support IT equipment while the other half is used by support systems. Moreover, complexity and critical conditions have increased in recent years.  Since the cost of downtime is high (a full shutdown costs more than € 500,000, source: 2011 National Study on Data Center Downtime), availability of IT capacity is generally an important metric on which data centers are evaluated. Today, however, data centers must also operate efficiently while providing flexibility to quickly adapt to changes in computing demand. Emerson Network Power conducted a systematic analysis of the energy consumed in data centers and of the various approaches that lead to energy conservation. We have identified five best practices that represent proven approaches to improve overall data center performance: 1. Maximize the return temperature at the cooling units to improve capacity and efficiency; 2. Match cooling capacity and airflow with IT loads; 3. Utilize cooling designs that reduce energy consumption; 4. Enable data center monitoring to improve capacity, efficiency and availability; 5. Utilize local design and service expertise to extend equipment life, reduce costs and address your data center’s unique challenges. Do you know further practices that can serve as the foundation for data center design? If you want to learn more, read the [white paper](http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/en-EMEA/Latest-Thinking/white-papers/Documents/Five-Best-Practices-for-Increasing-Efficiency.pdf). You can also read more about [SmartAisle](http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/?utm_/en-EMEA/Products/RacksAndIntegratedCabinets/Smart-Solutions/Pages/SmartAisle.aspx). This article was written by: Matej Kordisch, Emerson Network Power. To read more Blogs by Emerson, please visit: [http://blog.emersonnetworkpower.com/](http://blog.emersonnetworkpower.com/)  Topics: [Emerson Network Power](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/emerson-network-power), [Data Center](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center), [data center design](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-design), [data center infrastructure management](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-infrastructure-management), [energy](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy), [Uptime](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/uptime), [monitoring](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/monitoring), [the green grid](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/the-green-grid), [cooling](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cooling) ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Data Center (111)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center) - [data center infrastructure (80)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-infrastructure) - [data center design (68)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-design) - [data center infrastructure management (67)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-infrastructure-management) - [Emerson Network Power (64)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/emerson-network-power) - [robust data center (48)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/robust-data-center) - [data center energy (47)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-energy) - [DVL (46)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dvl) - [Green IT (38)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/green-it) - [electrical distribution (34)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/electrical-distribution) - [kW per rack (34)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/kw-per-rack) - [Green Technology (30)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/green-technology) - [data center outages (30)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-outages) - [reduce cost (29)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/reduce-cost) - [reduce downtime (29)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/reduce-downtime) - [PUE (28)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/pue) - [Thermal Management (19)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/thermal-management) - [efficient data center (18)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/efficient-data-center) - [cloud computing (15)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cloud-computing) - [energy (14)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy) - [Containment (13)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/containment) - [cooling (13)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cooling) - [DC Power (12)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dc-power) - [vertiv (12)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/vertiv) - [monitoring (11)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/monitoring) - [7x24 exchange (10)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/7x24-exchange) - [DCIM (10)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dcim) - [pod (10)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/pod) - [cloud strategy (9)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cloud-strategy) - [Uptime (8)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/uptime) - [Energy Star (7)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy-star) - [UPS (7)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/ups) - [critical air conditioning (7)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/critical-air-conditioning) - [energy efficiency (7)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [the green grid (7)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/the-green-grid) - [Battery (6)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/battery) - [Efficiency (6)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/efficiency) - [beyond the product (6)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/beyond-the-product) - [data center cooling (6)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-cooling) - [AHRI (5)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/ahri) - [CRV (5)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/crv) - [Data Center efficiency (5)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-efficiency) - [mission-critical (5)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/mission-critical) - [CUE (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cue) - [healthcare (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/healthcare) - [hospitals (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/hospitals) - [power distribution (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/power-distribution) - [preventative maintenance (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/preventative-maintenance) - [service (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/service) - [smart solutions (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/smart-solutions) - [sustainability (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - [top trends (4)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/top-trends) - [CIO (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cio) - [DVL Engineering Summit (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dvl-engineering-summit) - [Electrical Engineering (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/electrical-engineering) - [HVAC (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/hvac) - [IT (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/it) - [Liebert (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/liebert) - [Mechanical Engineering (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/mechanical-engineering) - [Power and Cooling (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/power-and-cooling) - [Trellis (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/trellis) - [availability (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/availability) - [efficient data center cooling (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/efficient-data-center-cooling) - [employee owned (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/employee-owned) - [iCom (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/icom) - [microgrids (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/microgrids) - [optimized performance (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/optimized-performance) - [power (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/power) - [power system (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/power-system) - [private cloud (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/private-cloud) - [retrofit (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/retrofit) - [server room cooling (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/server-room-cooling) - [short circuit current ratings (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/short-circuit-current-ratings) - [smartrow (3)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/smartrow) - [7x24 (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/7x24) - [ASHRAE (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/ashrae) - [KVM (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/kvm) - [Microsoft Technology Center (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/microsoft-technology-center) - [Resizing (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/resizing) - [batteries (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/batteries) - [busway (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/busway) - [capacity (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/capacity) - [case study (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/case-study) - [clean energy (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/clean-energy) - [cybersecurity (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [data center managers (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-managers) - [data center temperature control (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/data-center-temperature-control) - [downtime (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/downtime) - [enclosure (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/enclosure) - [energy cost (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy-cost) - [facilities (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/facilities) - [generator (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/generator) - [portable cooling (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/portable-cooling) - [rack (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/rack) - [sccr (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/sccr) - [server room (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/server-room) - [starline (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/starline) - [the edge (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/the-edge) - [webinar (2)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/webinar) - [CALCULATORS (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/calculators) - [Codes and Standards (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/codes-and-standards) - [DVL Customers (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dvl-customers) - [ESOP Association (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/esop-association) - [Energy Logic (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy-logic) - [Honor and Protect (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/honor-and-protect) - [HubSpot Tips (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/hubspot-tips) - [IoT (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/iot) - [KVA UPS (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/kva-ups) - [Lithium-ion (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/lithium-ion) - [NFPA (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/nfpa) - [NX (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/nx) - [National Center for Employee Ownership (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/national-center-for-employee-ownership) - [PDU (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/pdu) - [R22 (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/r22) - [Safety (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/safety) - [TOOLS (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/tools) - [VFD (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/vfd) - [VLRA (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/vlra) - [Veterans Day, (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/veterans-day) - [Wet Cell (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/wet-cell) - [advanced controls (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/advanced-controls) - [artificial intelligence (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence) - [battery energy storage system (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/battery-energy-storage-system) - [bess (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/bess) - [casestudy (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/casestudy) - [critical labs (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/critical-labs) - [direct liquid cooling (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/direct-liquid-cooling) - [dvl history (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/dvl-history) - [education (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/education) - [emergency (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/emergency) - [energy labs (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/energy-labs) - [ev charging (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/ev-charging) - [great place to work (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/great-place-to-work) - [heat rejection (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/heat-rejection) - [higher education (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/higher-education) - [liebert parts (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/liebert-parts) - [operations (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/operations) - [packet power (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/packet-power) - [parts department (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/parts-department) - [performance (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/performance) - [rack cooling (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/rack-cooling) - [retirement (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/retirement) - [security (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/security) - [server room temperature control (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/server-room-temperature-control) - [solar power (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/solar-power) - [standby power (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/standby-power) - [ups systems (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/ups-systems) - [vrc (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/vrc) - [water cool (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/water-cool) - [webcast (1)](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/topic/webcast) [see all](https://www.dvlnet.com/blog/five-best-practices-in-enterprise-data-center-design#) [![Dvl_Group_Inc_US_English_2026_Certification_Badge---for-website](https://www.dvlnet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dvl_Group_Inc_US_English_2026_Certification_Badge---for-website.png?width=110&height=156&name=Dvl_Group_Inc_US_English_2026_Certification_Badge---for-website.png "Dvl_Group_Inc_US_English_2026_Certification_Badge---for-website")](https://www.dvlnet.com/pressreleases/041025) ### DVL is Proud to be 100% Employee Owned Philadelphia | Albuquerque | Boise | Denver | Harrisburg | Salt Lake City Headquarters: 115 Sinclair Rd., Bristol, PA 19007 1-215-785-5950   - [Careers](https://www.dvlnet.com/careers) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.dvlnet.com/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.dvlnet.com/privacypolicy) - [![Linkdin](https://www.dvlnet.com/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/linkdin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/280783/) - [![Facebook](https://www.dvlnet.com/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/DVL-Group-Inc-155365391220214/) - [![Youtube](https://www.dvlnet.com/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@dvlgroup2568) - [![instagram](https://www.dvlnet.com/hubfs/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019%20Theme/DVL%20Website%20Oct%202019/images/instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/dvl_group/) © 2025 DVL Group, Inc. ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=199449&fmt=gif)