Last week, I attended a DoE/EPA sponsored data center workshop in Seattle focused on energy efficiency of data centers and the devices within them, including specs for EnergyStar servers, networking and storage equipment. He actively participated in ways to positively influence folks to adopt higher energy efficiency practices with their data center infrastructure.

The event was hosted by Microsoft, who provided excellent facilities, a beautiful site and day accommodations. The weather in Seattle during the two-day event was as perfect as weather can be. I believe the workshop was attended by about 100 folks, invite only.

I also attended the SVLG’s Energy Summit all day Friday, hosted at Stanford by the Precourt Institute for Energy Efficiency. Great speakers, well attended, renewables and energy efficiency were the highlights. I was also lucky enough to have a small meeting across a small table with Andy Karsner, US Assistant Secretary of Energy, Renewables and Energy Efficiency, where we talked about energy efficiency programs and energy efficiency of data centers.

KC was also lucky enough to have dinner with Martin Eberhard, founder and past-CEO of Tesla Motors, makers of the ever cool Tesla all-electric hot-rod roadster. We talked about Tesla, his latest entrepreneur interests, electric vehicle systems and life.

KC rounded out the week by picking up a new Toyota Prius to make his car travel lower emissions and reduce fuel consumption. I’m going from 28 to 46 mpg, so a good improvement but from from the triple digit mpg averages we should be getting today. However, the best choice today for my driving needs. My new model is top of the line touring with leather and navigation. It’s been a blast to drive; way more fun than I expected. This should serve my driving needs well until a 100+ mpg equivalent vehicle is ready to meet my needs. I’ll work on trying to achieve over 50 mpg regularly.

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