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Emissions Calculator for Data Centers

BeginnerGuided Project

This project illustrates the integration of Environmental Intelligence APIs with Python to calculate emissions in data centers, employing the GHG Location and Market API services. These APIs provide crucial emission factors, enabling automated calculations of greenhouse gas emissions related to electricity, steam, heat, and cooling operations. By understanding these emissions, data center operators can assess their environmental impact for reporting and uncover opportunities for emissions reduction. Complete this project in 30 minutes to gain insights into minimizing carbon footprints.

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Data Science

Skills You Will Learn

  • API, Environmental Intelligence, Python, Data Visualization, Data Analysis

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 30 minutes

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • April 25, 2025
About this Guided Project
Understanding and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an essential step for any organization committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This guided project focuses on a critical aspect of environmental management: calculating emissions in data centers using APIs with Python. Data centers are energy-intensive facilities, and accurately calculating emissions from electricity, steam, heat, and cooling operations is vital for transparent reporting and identifying opportunities for reduction. By engaging with this project, you will gain the skills necessary to automate these calculations, providing data scientists with the insights required to assess and improve their environmental impact.


Note: To complete this project, you must register to receive free access to the IBM Environmental Intelligence API keys. The process is simple and steps are provided in the project.



What you'll learn


After completing this guided project, you will be able to:

  • Understand the integration of APIs with Python for environmental data retrieval and processing.
  • Accurately calculate Scope 2 emissions using GHG location and Market API services.
  • Gain insights into minimizing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental reporting.

Are you interested in the  location-based and market-based carbon emission intensity?


What you'll need


To complete this project, you should have:

  • A basic understanding of Python programming.
  • Familiarity with concepts related to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability.
  • Access to a modern web browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari for the IBM Skills Network Labs environment, which includes many pre-installed tools like Docker to facilitate your work.

Embark on this journey to empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the environmental management of data centers. By the end of this project, you'll be equipped to contribute to sustainability efforts and enhance the transparency and effectiveness of your organization's environmental reporting.

Instructors

Ricky Shi

Data Scientist at IBM

Ricky Shi is a Data Scientist at IBM, specializing in deep learning, computer vision, and Large Language Models. He applies advanced machine learning and generative AI techniques to solve complex challenges across various sectors. As an enthusiastic mentor, Ricky is committed to helping colleagues and peers master technical intricacies and drive innovation.

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Santhosh Ramalingam T

Software Developer - Full Stack

Hi there! I’m a passionate software engineer with a strong foundation in Java, springboot, python, Js , angular and react. I thrive on solving complex problems and creating efficient, user-friendly applications. When I’m not coding, you can find me exploring the latest tech trends, contributing to open-source projects, or honing my skills through personal projects. I believe in continuous learning and enjoy sharing knowledge with others in the tech community.

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Contributors

Hailey Quach

Data Scientist

Hi, I'm Hailey. I enjoy teaching others to build creative and impactful AI projects. By day, I’m a Data Scientist at IBM; by night, an Honors BSc student at Concordia University in Montreal, always exploring new ways to combine learning with innovation.

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Shivam Abhijeet

Growth Product Manager

I am a growth product manager for IBM's new Environmental Intelligence platform. I help developers build solutions by harnessing environmental data.

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Neil MacKinnon

Senior Editor and Technical Content Producer, IBM Developer

I am a writer, editor, video producer, and digital content strategist with over 20 years of experience in technical writing, content development, and professional publishing. I provide direction and produce content for multiple communications platforms, including websites, social media, podcasts, and video channels.

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