OAKLAND, Calif. — While there is widespread interest in improving the energy efficiency of data centers, a new survey by Aperture Research Institute finds little action is being taken.

The report is the second in a two-part series of data center surveys asking more than 100 data center professionals about attitudes and actions on green IT.

In the latest survey, Aperture found that most inaction is due to data centers not having the right tools and processes in place.

Currently, 29 percent of the professionals surveyed have energy efficiency initiatives in place, 37 percent plan to implement initiatives within the next year and 34 percent have no plans. In terms of measuring energy efficiency, 34 percent currently do measure their efficiency, 39 percent have plans to do so within a year and 37 do not have plans.

In addition, 76 percent of respondents said they do not charge businesses for the power consumed by the IT they commission, a process that, if implemented, could lead to more support for efficient technologies.

Attitudes played a factor in other areas. Almost 75 percent of those surveyed said the would not activate power saving settings on devices if it would result in lower performance, and respondents placed energy efficiency and ease of disposal at the bottom of deciding factors for purchasing new servers. The more important factors cited are specifications, compatibility, support, price and brand.