A model for carbon footprint optimization in an InterCloud environment

In this paper, we address the problem of virtual machine (VM) placement in an InterCloud with regard to the reduction of carbon footprint in such computing environment. In order to minimize the data center Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions, this paper proposes a new mathematical formulation, where the placement approach is stated as a mixed integer programming problem which aims at minimizing the overall carbon footprint of the InterCloud. The proposed formulation presents an accurate carbon footprint evaluation based on joint optimization techniques, such as workload consolidation and cooling efficiency maximization, while considering the greenness of the data centers and the dynamic behavior of the IT equipment cooling fans. Simulation results showed that our model leads to optimal configurations with minimal carbon footprint in the InterCloud environment.