Sustainable Video Streaming Strategy

MainStreaming is actively contributing to greener, more energy-efficient video delivery solutions with a purpose of accelerating a net-zero future for all with our relentless effort. Our Intelligent Media Delivery Platform, differentiating from traditional CDN models is designed not only to deliver superior streaming quality with world-class viewing experience for end users, but also to mitigate environmental impact in the end-to-end streaming energy efficiency.  

Below are some of the crucial areas where we’ve made ecological progress: 

Collaboration with Intel for Power Efficiency

We partnered with Intel to select the most power-efficient CPU for video streaming. After extensive testing at Intel’s labs in Phoenix, AZ, we identified a specific model from the Intel Xeon SP family that provides optimal performance for video delivery with the least power consumption. Our collaboration with Intel has ensured that MainStreaming’s latest server generation has reduced power consumption both at peak usage and when idle. This collaboration allowed us to fine-tune our hardware choices to align with our sustainability goals. 

Exceeding ACPI Standards: Optimized Software for Lower Power Consumption per Gbps.

Beyond hardware, we focused on maximizing the power efficiency of our software. Our engineering team optimized the code to make extensive use of Intel CPU low-power states. As a result, we managed to exceed the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specifications for power consumption. This innovation ensures that our infrastructure uses only the necessary power during video delivery, significantly reducing energy waste.  

Advanced One-Hop Edge Network Architecture vs. Traditional CDN Models

Our Edge Video Delivery Network architecture is designed from the ground up with single-layer Edge caching architecture with a one-hop network for energy efficiency, combined with the adoption of hardware selected for optimal performance, resulting in up to 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional CDN models. Not only does this improve energy efficiency, but by removing system layers, it also improves Viewer QoE.  
 
Classic CDN delivers all sorts of web data, whereas our Video Edge Network focuses exclusively on video delivery, especially to meet the demands of large-scale live streaming. This allows us to support millions of concurrent viewers with less hardware carbon footprint and reduced electric power consumption. By delivering video content closer to users through deep edge nodes deployed within ISP premises, we avoid the energy costs associated with centralized data centers and long-distance data transfer. 

Carbon Neutrality Without Compromising Profitability

We compensate for the carbon emissions of all our streaming customers, a commitment we can afford due to our platform’s lower energy consumption compared to traditional CDNs. Even with carbon neutrality, we maintain strong revenue profitability and high ROI in the streaming business. Our lower energy requirements enable us to cover the cost of carbon offsets while still delivering high-quality streaming experiences.  Additionally, we contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting offset projects, such as “Expansion of renewable energy generation in Asia” and “Powering access to green energy in Africa”. We back climate initiatives that generate essential resources for advancing sustainable technologies and promote a just transition to renewable energy in Africa.

IABM BaM Awards Winning Intelligent Media Delivery Company

MainStreaming is an IABM BaM Award winning Intelligent Media Delivery Company certified as Carbon Neutral by German Climate Partner since December 2021. This recognition was announced at IBC 2023. It outlines MainStreaming’s contributions to the UN SDGs offset projects, in addition to the development of environmentally friendly video technology.

Striking a balance between sustainability and high-performance KPI

We are also a founding member of the Greening of Streaming Initiative; we help bring the industry together to create joined-up thinking around energy efficiency in the end-to-end technical supply chain.  MainStreaming’s approach to video streaming is rooted in a balance between sustainability and high-performance KPI. By focusing on efficient hardware, optimized software, and a streamlined architecture, we’re able to offer a revolutionary video delivery platform that not only offers high-quality streaming, seamless video workflow management, assuring broadcast-quality viewing experience but also actively reduces environmental impact.

Lastly, we are proud to share that Building 16 in Bicocca, where we work, has recently been declared the most eco-friendly condominium in all of Italy, featuring a record-breaking installation of the largest photovoltaic system. 
 
Our ecological strategic practices demonstrate our perseverance to fostering a greener world for all and more thoughtful use of environmental resources of the Planet Earth.

Data Points: Leading the Charge amid Industry Growth and Carbon Footprint Growth

Research conducted by Omdia, Informa Tech shows that the media and entertainment industry will generate 1 trillion dollars in revenue in 2024, with 70% coming from video. Given that the streaming media industry is responsible for 3-4% of the global carbon footprint, as indicated in the research paper “Streaming Media’s Environmental Impact” published on ResearchGate, we have played our part to prioritize the implementation of environmentally responsible practices throughout our operations. Amid the increase in streaming capacity in response to growing OTT video content consumption by consumers, OTT service providers’ll start seeking newer full-suite video delivery solutions to improve the viewing QoE for their audience and reduce the cost and energy of video streaming. Sustainability in streaming is no longer just a goal; it is a reality with MainStreaming! Stream for a sustainable future with MainStreaming today!