In the past decade, significant strides have been made in realizing energy savings in data centers. The question is whether these strides are the product of the "carrot or the stick." Further, is it better to use the "carrot" or the "stick" within your data center to achieve your energy-efficiency improvements and goals? This column will examine the history of data center energy-efficiency governance and whether the "carrot or the stick" is driving the right behavior and subsequent energy improvements.