How Data Centres Can Lead the Way in Sustainability?

As coal and steam powered the Industrial Revolution, data has emerged as the lifeblood of today’s consumer-driven and knowledge-based economy. Our insatiable hunger for data and our dependency on the data sector are expanding at an astonishing pace, transforming how we interact with technology and information.

In response to an unprecedented demand for its services, the data centre sector faces a critical challenge: how can it scale its operations while minimising its environmental impact? This dilemma underscores the urgency of exploring innovative strategies for energy consumption, new sources of power, improved operational practices, and a strong emphasis on design innovation across data facilities.

Given the significant energy and water demands that data centres impose, it is imperative for the industry to act as a responsible member of the community. As data centres proliferate, their presence can be a double-edged sword; they hold the potential to catalyse the growth of local tech sectors in some regions, yet their voracious appetite for natural resources can create conflict with communities where these resources are already strained.

Numerous justifications underscore the need for enhanced sustainability in data centres, ranging from evolving environmental regulations and soaring operational costs to deepening community concerns.

Here are five critical priorities to improve the sustainability of data centres:

1. Support Expansion: It is crucial to expand capacity rapidly while ensuring that sustainable practices are integrated into the foundational design of data centres. This approach will enable growth without compromising environmental integrity.
2. Increase and Measure Energy Efficiency: Data centres and server rooms must adhere to energy efficiency standards, quantified through ambitious power usage effectiveness (PUE) targets. For instance, under the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, new data centres in cooler climates are expected to achieve an annual PUE target of 1.3 by 2025, while those in warmer climates should aim for 1.4. Existing facilities are also tasked with meeting these benchmarks by January 1, 2030.
3. Implement Energy-Efficient Technologies: The adoption of energy-efficient technologies is essential. This includes low-power servers, energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, and innovative cooling systems, all designed to minimise the energy expenditure needed to sustain IT operations.
4. Use Alternatives to Power Your Data Centre: Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning data centres with environmental sustainability efforts while meeting their energy needs.
5. Be a Good Neighbour: Integration with local communities is paramount. Data centres should prioritise environmental responsibility, engage with community members, support local infrastructure, mitigate noise pollution, and prepare effective emergency response strategies. Furthermore, capturing and redistributing excess heat generated for local district heating systems can foster sustainability and enhance collaboration within the community.

By transitioning to green data centres, companies can unlock substantial advantages. For example, Google has successfully implemented several sustainable practices in its data facilities, resulting in energy savings of up to 40%. Beyond immediate cost savings, organisations can benefit from improved energy efficiency through optimised IT resource usage, increased operational productivity, and reduced waste. These sustainability initiatives not only bolster a company’s reputation and public image but also attract potential incentives from governments in developed nations, further solidifying the case for a greener future.