AI tool extends server lifespan 1.6 years while reducing emissions by nearly 50%

A recent study from the University of California, Riverside introduces Federated Carbon Intelligence (FCI), an AI-driven system designed to reduce the environmental impact of data centers while extending server lifespan. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on timing workloads to coincide with cleaner energy availability, FCI integrates real-time environmental data with detailed monitoring of each server’s physical condition—such as age, temperature, and wear—to intelligently route AI tasks. This approach not only cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 45% over five years but also extends the operational life of servers by an average of 1.6 years, addressing both energy consumption and hardware degradation. FCI’s dual strategy tackles a critical gap in sustainability efforts by recognizing that server manufacturing carries significant embodied carbon emissions. By preventing unnecessary wear and breakdowns through smarter workload distribution, the system reduces the need for frequent hardware replacement and the associated environmental costs. Importantly, FCI can be implemented without new equipment, relying instead on enhanced coordination of existing infrastructure. The researchers