How to make your database greener – and your footprint smaller

Databases and sustainability. At first glance, it may seem like an unexpected combination, but it’s indeed important. Did you know that the growth of data has a significant impact on your CO₂ emissions? The cloud might seem like an efficient solution, but the explosive increase in data also results in a larger carbon footprint. How can you handle this more intelligently? How can you reduce your ecological footprint without compromising performance? From choosing between DBaaS and Kubernetes to optimizing workloads—small steps make a big difference for the environment (and your peace of mind). Edco Wallet explains how you can make your database greener and more efficient.

Edco Wallet

Co-Founder & eigenaar

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Why a greener database?

Did you know that data not only drains your budget but also has a significant impact on the environment? The cloud might seem more efficient than on-premise servers, but the reality tells a different story. The explosive growth of data leads to substantially higher energy consumption and increased CO₂ emissions. According to Gartners “Forecast Analysis: Database Management Systems, Worldwide” Global investments in database management systems are expected to grow to $203.6 billion by 2027, with the cloud accounting for the largest share. More data means more energy. So, how do you keep those emissions in check?

The green paradox of the cloud

You expect the cloud to be an environmentally friendly solution: scalable, flexible, and free of heavy hardware in your server room. But appearances can be deceiving. According to an independent study conducted by Forrester Consulting, 72% of companies exceed their cloud budgets, often due to inefficient use of storage and compute capacity. What the study doesn’t mention is that all this overcapacity also leads to unnecessary energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Moreover, many companies are moving their workloads back on-premise because of unexpected cloud costs, further increasing emissions.

Smart choices, less emissions

Sustainability, like cost control, is all about making smart choices. But here it’s about more than just your wallet. Make conscious choices in your database management to reduce not only your costs but also your energy consumption.

For example, consider:

DBaaS: Easy to use, but often inefficient due to over-provisioned resources. This results in unnecessary energy consumption.
Kubernetes: Scale data and applications more efficiently. No waste of computing power or storage, and a deliberate step towards a greener IT infrastructure.
Hybrid approach: Combine the best of both worlds. Use DBaaS for flexibility where needed and Kubernetes for maximum efficiency and control.

Make choices that save not only your wallet but also the environment.

Kubernetes: sustainable by design

Kubernetes is the powerhouse for efficient IT architectures. With support for stateful workloads, such as databases, you manage your entire infrastructure from a single platform. That means fewer idle resources, fewer duplicate workloads, and smarter energy usage.

Thanks to Kubernetes Operators, you can automate routine tasks, like setting up databases. This not only saves time but also prevents servers from running unnecessarily while waiting for configurations. Developers and DBAs are thrilled because less hassle means more time for valuable work.

However, automation isn’t everything. A misconfiguration or an oversized instance can significantly drive up your costs. Therefore, think carefully in advance about what you really need. This way, you prevent convenience from costing you dearly.

The energy-saving potential

Let’s take a concrete example. Suppose you manage ten database instances. What does that cost?

AWS RDS: This costs you about $168,000 per year. On top of that, you face high CO₂ emissions due to overcapacity and energy-intensive management.
Kubernetes: By managing your workloads yourself, you reduce your costs to $92,000 per year. In addition, you use storage and compute power more efficiently, which significantly cuts both costs and emissions—a true win-win.

However, it’s not just a matter of saving money. Kubernetes requires a different approach. With DBaaS, your provider handles everything for you. Kubernetes, on the other hand, demands more insight and planning on your part. You must consider aspects like security, backups, and operational performance. That investment in time and attention, however, can pay off significantly in the long run.

Sustainable scaling with Kubernetes

The real advantage of Kubernetes? It allows you to scale your data and application workloads in sync. No more redundant platforms running side-by-side unnecessarily—just one optimized system. This means less energy waste and increased efficiency in your IT landscape. Add to that the option to choose energy-efficient hardware and locations powered by renewable energy, and you’re well on your way to a greener IT solution.

Greener and smarter

Smart technologies such as Kubernetes and Kubernetes Operators help you reduce your ecological footprint while preparing your IT landscape for the future. It’s all about making the right choices. Where do you invest? How do you scale your infrastructure? Which tools do you use to prevent waste? With a few strategic adjustments, you can make your database environment more sustainable and efficient. This is not only good for the environment but also enhances your reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking organization.

Want to know more?

Curious about how to get started? OptimaData is here to help. At OptimaData, we work the Dutch way: open, direct, and purposeful. That’s how we make your database environment greener, smarter, and more efficient. Feel free to contact us without any obligation.