Title: How we got to carbon negative cloud using only off the shelf components and software
Abstract: Carbon impact of IT has been increasing over the past 20 years steadily to levels higher then shipping, flying and trains combined. Yet very few people seem to realise the issue, let alone understand ways to solve it. Now with the advent of gen AI the Jevons paradox teaches us one thing, we will increase the emmissions even faster due to enabling a usecases we never had before. The talk will focus on the current status of cloud/it sustainability and ways to solve it in general, then pivot on the way we think this could be turned into an asset for sustainability rather then against it using off the shelf components and software combined in a unique way.
Bio: David is the co-founder, resident thermodynamics expert, and Chief Sustainability Officer at Leafcloud, where his expertise in servers and thermal dynamics plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and the design of Leaf sites. His work focuses on transforming server heat into a reusable resource, leveraging his background as an engineer with a passion for building and innovation. David's journey into the tech world began in engineering, building solar boats and electric bikes. He then transitioned to energy management, arriving at the intersection of IT hardware and thermal management through trialing various immersion cooling solutions. Captivated by the potential of reusing server heat on a large scale, he co-founded Leafcloud in 2019 to bring this vision to life. David's innovative approach and dedication to sustainability have not only propelled Leafcloud forward but also made him a sought-after speaker at industry events worldwide. His insights and the company's groundbreaking work have been featured in the documentary "Clouded II: Does Cloud Cost the Earth?", highlighting the environmental impacts of cloud computing. Outside of his professional endeavors, David is an avid cycle-smith, a proud father of two, and enjoys board games.
Where: Main building, room HG-KC07
When: Friday October 18th, 9am
Speaker: David Kohnstamm
Contact points at VU: Vincenzo Stoico, Ivano Malavolta