Review your assets. Review the status of all applications and eliminate dead wood by shutting down old servers that aren't needed. This can cut power consumption in some organizations by as much as 30 percent.

Virtualize. Consolidate servers using virtualization and asset management. Shed servers that are running applications that are no longer used. Virtualization allows greater utilization of existing servers.

Go green. Specify high-efficiency power supplies for servers in requests for proposals. Ask for systems that deliver a higher performance per watt.

Consider DC. Rack systems with centralized DC power cut energy use and heat inside the cabinet by moving power conversion away from servers.

Batten down and modernize. Tighten up racks by using blanking plates and sealing holes to prevent air leaks. Consider newer rack designs that optimize airflows.