The Evolution of HPC for a Sustainable World

Michael Rudgyard
CEO
Alces Flight
Abstract:
The conventional approach to procuring High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems has historically centred around a narrow definition of hardware specifications. However, there is a growing awareness within the HPC community regarding the broader implications of these solutions, encompassing not only their impact on research but also their social and ecological consequences.
This abstract delves into the carbon footprint of HPC systems, considering both the ’embedded carbon’ and the carbon emissions associated with their operation. In the context of increasing pressure on organisations to disclose their carbon footprint, some have introduced a ‘carbon price’ to quantify the economic ramifications of emissions. Despite these efforts, navigating the complexities of carbon measurement remains challenging given the multifaceted nature of carbon usage in HPC systems. The focus of this exploration is to identify measurable parameters and initiate steps toward mitigating the overall environmental impact of HPC systems.
The discussion extends to examining methodologies for organisations to assess their carbon footprint, exploring the potential reuse of waste heat, leveraging power from low-carbon or renewable sources, and implementing strategies to prolong the lifespan of computing equipment or recycle outdated hardware to minimise embedded carbon.
More information: hpckp.org/