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Should researchers avoid data repositories that rely on carbon heavy data centres? 


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Researchers should consider avoiding data repositories that rely on carbon-heavy data centers due to the environmental impacts associated with traditional storage methods. Green IT practices, such as utilizing newer technologies to reduce energy consumption , and implementing sustainable frameworks to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from data centers , are crucial in mitigating the carbon footprint of digital data storage. Synthetic DNA storage presents a promising alternative, offering higher data density and lower resource requirements compared to traditional storage media . Furthermore, the concept of cold data storage emphasizes the importance of responsible data disposal for offline archiving to minimize ecological and monetary costs while maintaining accessibility . By shifting towards sustainable data storage solutions, researchers can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of data repositories.

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Researchers should consider using data repositories that implement the proposed IT-based carbon sustainability framework to reduce CO2 emissions in data centres, promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Researchers should prioritize low-carbon data centres to reduce carbon emissions, as metrics for rewarding such centres are lacking, making them crucial for environmental sustainability in data management.
Researchers should consider utilizing greener data storage options like synthetic DNA, which can significantly reduce environmental impacts compared to traditional data storage methods reliant on carbon-heavy data centers.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Abdallah Tubaishat, Sara Sumaidaa 
27 Nov 2017
Researchers should opt for green data centres to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, aligning with green IT practices outlined in the paper for sustainability and cost-efficiency.

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