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The growing demand for more energy-efficient data centres is creating a new breed of industry specialist, according to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

The industry is looking for professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand how IT can deliver solutions to help create energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and meet growing legislation.

Martyn Lambert, chief executive officer, BCS learning & development, part of the institute, explains: "We've seen the data centre industry grow enormously in the last five years, as it works to meet the increasing demand to support our internet economy. Alongside this is a demand for professionals with new skills who can support the industry's desire for sustainability. For example, we're already seeing the emergence of new roles for such as sustainability managers."

SUSTAINABLE IT
To meet this need, the institute launched the Foundation Certificate in Data Centre Infrastructure last December. The new certificate compliments the institute's existing portfolio of professional certifications on the subject of sustainable IT, which include: Intermediate Certificate in Energy and Cost Management for Data Centres; the Intermediate Certificate in EU Code of Conduct in Data Centres; and the Foundation Certificate in Green IT. The institute also runs the Certified Energy Efficiency Data centre Award (CEEDA).

The new certificate launched will be for professionals who are looking to take the first steps on the career path of data centre management or consultancy. It will provide candidates with the knowledge and skills associated with the design and operations of a data centre, embracing the following: understanding why the design of a data centre is important; best practice involved in the design; and developing and demonstrating appropriate understanding of the options in the running of an efficient data centre.

Lambert concludes: "There's a real opportunity here for IT professionals, as well as all those who need to understand data centres - such as electrical engineers, project managers, building contractors, and facility managers - to get ahead of the game.

BEST PRACTICE
"As the Chartered Institute for IT, our role is to help IT professionals gain the skills they need to achieve this, as well as developing a recognised best practice standard, and providing a network of professionals who can share their expertise."

Anyone interested in the new certificate can register their interest at: www.bcs.org/dcinfrastructure

Further information and insights about the institute's green IT professional range of certifications can be found at: www.bcs.org/green