Information technology is consuming more and more energy. One major area in which energy efficiency can be improved is that of climate control. Schroff's containment concept can substantially increase the cooling efficiency of a computer room, with a corresponding reduction in energy costs. This increased efficiency is achieved by separating the hot and cold airflows consistently from one another.

As the basis for implementing individual cold or hot aisle containment, Schroff uses suitably modified elements from the VARISTAR cabinet range. The 45°-angled surface of the VARISTAR frame with its typical meander-style grid holes in the profile offers many fixing options. The powder-coated steel plate frames with toughened safety glass link the opposite cabinet rows and close the aisle from above. If there are larger gaps also to be closed completely, dummy elements are integrated that can be closed with e.g. a front door. Should the data centre subsequently be expanded, these dummy elements can simply be replaced with normal server cabinets. If the cold or hot aisle is fully sealed from above, doors can be fitted at each end to seal it off completely. These doors can be swing doors, sliding or revolving, electric or mechanical, with or without lock and with motion signalling. Schroff containment elements can be mounted or retrofitted easily on the various different types of cabinet.

Cold aisle containment ensures a homogeneous distribution of cold air in front of the servers. Radiation losses are lower and room air conditioning from the false floor can be utilised more efficiently. Hot aisle containment also gives a higher efficiency through reduced radiation losses and short air loops. A false floor and room air conditioning are no longer necessary. With both concepts the cooling capacity can be further increased through the use of LHX air/water heat exchangers.