Why Data Centre Sustainability is Critical: The Role of Green Infrastructure

Data centres provide the infrastructure that supports all digital activity. They are integral to business operations, social networks, and government services. We’ve become so reliant on the industry that most of the infrastructure essential to contemporary life would not function without them. And that’s problematic because they are energy-hungry. And in a landscape increasingly focused on sustainability, that is no longer supportable. That’s why a growing number of data centres are focusing on the integration of nature-based solutions and environmentally friendly practices.

How Green Infrastructure is Being Built into Data Centre Sustainability

Energy

Energy has a dual role in supporting sustainability. Firstly, there’s renewable energy integration. Many data centres have been investing in renewable energy for years. Google, for example, has matched its electricity consumption with 100% renewable energy since 2017. Digital Reality, Equinix, and Iron Mountain all do the same, using either solar, wind, or geothermal power.

However, while renewable energy plays a significant role, it’s not the only strategy being deployed. There is also a drive for more energy-efficient cooling systems. Cooling is among the greatest energy expenses for any data centre. By deploying natural cooling, evaporative cooling systems, or geothermal cooling, facilities can reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems.

Water

Although the use of water to create more energy-efficient cooling systems for data centres has been widely applauded, it does raise its own problems. Water is another much-abused natural resource. 2023 was the hottest year on record, and drought is becoming much more common. Using techniques, such as rainwater harvesting can provide facilities with the water they need. Without putting strain on local water resources.

Carbon emissions

In 2020, 330 megatons of CO2 equivalent was released by the world’s data centres. This is being tackled by carbon offsetting. By investing in projects such as renewable energy or reforestation, facilities are attempting to redress that balance. And through the integration of green infrastructure – sustainable materials, energy-efficient insulation, green roofs, and living walls – they are not only reducing CO2 but helping to absorb it. Green roofs and living walls also help to mitigate heat islands.

Biodiversity

In recent years, most data centres have focused on enhancing the environment around their premises. By incorporating green infrastructure – landscaping, wildlife corridors, habitat restoration – they can enhance biodiversity. This also helps with carbon absorption, as well as improving the aesthetic and lived experience for the local community.

Waste management

Data centres produce a significant amount of waste, particularly in hardware, which frequently ends up in landfills. Circular economy practices seek to deal with that problem. Sustainable waste management focuses on the recycling and repurposing of old equipment, reducing that waste hardware. Contemporary centres are designed on a modular basis to enable easy expansion or repurposing. This produces less waste and saves money.

Sustainability standards

Many data centres are also seeking sustainability certification for brand differentiation. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certificates are both highly sought after. Cobalt recently acquired a BREEAM ‘Outstanding' award. And it’s something very much worth bragging about.

Green infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing the sustainability of data centres. In fact, it’s the only thing that will enable them to operate sustainably as the demand for their services increases. As the demand for data and cloud computing continues to rise, there is going to continue to be an increasing focus on meeting and addressing the environmental challenges the industry faces.

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