Can data centres balance growth with sustainability?

The AI boom, combined with the digital revolution, is driving an unprecedented demand for data centres, positioning them as critical components of modern infrastructure. However, despite their role in enabling the digital economy, data centres have a significant impact on the environment. 

As servers and data centre racks become more advanced and sophisticated, their energy consumption continues to rise. Today, a tower server consumes an average of 130 kilowatts of power. It is estimated that in a mere five years, the global data centre will emit up to 2.5 billion tons of CO2, this accounts for up to 40% of emissions the United States produces in a year, a stark and worrying projection. 

Recognising their importance, the UK government has designated data centres as critical infrastructure within its plan to drive an economic upswing. Yet, as digital dependency deepens, so does public concern, particularly regarding the environmental impact of data centres.

To ensure that data centres remain sustainable amid their pivotal role in society, the industry must adopt greener practices and prioritise environmental responsibility. In order to balance sustainability with growth, it will be important to focus on key areas that can help ease public concerns and reduce energy consumption.

Shaping public perception and local impact

When establishing data centres in local communities, it is important for these facilities to function as an asset as opposed to causing disruption. For local communities to embrace colocation facilities, companies must prioritise transparency and open communication with local stakeholders. 

Data centre providers should consider the impact their presence can have on nearby communities. Redeveloping abandoned or underutilised sites can transform these areas into innovation hubs. These redevelopment projects not only create new jobs, but they also strengthen community relations and stimulate the local economy. 

To address public concerns, data centres could implement community engagement strategies to bolster support. By becoming a community pillar, public and local government support will strengthen, and the sector will reshape public narratives, shifting perspectives from “not in my backyard” to “valued local contributor”. 

Revitalising brownfield sites

The data centre industry is increasingly turning to brownfield sites as a way to minimise its environmental footprint. A brownfield site is a previously developed land that has been abandoned after being used for industrial, commercial, or urban purposes. By repurposing these neglected sites, data centres can help protect the local environment from deforestation, runoff pollution and soil erosion. This proactive approach not only addresses public concerns about land use but also fosters positive perceptions within local communities. 

A key advantage of brownfield sites is leveraging the use of existing infrastructure. Many of the sites are already fitted with essential utilities and architecture, which reduces construction waste, decreases local disruption and noise pollution. These sites eliminate the need for building new infrastructure, facilitating easier integration of data centres. Additionally, some brownfield sites are located near renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power, which gives decision makers the opportunity to incorporate sustainable energy solutions into their site development plans.

By prioritising environmental responsibility, organisations will enhance their reputation among stakeholders and customers. This commitment extends beyond land use to broader community benefits. By responsibly developing brownfield sites, the local infrastructure will also be upgraded, which benefits both the data centre and nearby residents. Investing in the advanced cooling and water recycling technologies required by cloud infrastructures can drive local governments to adopt similar innovations - improving water efficiency and reducing waste in the community. Additionally, the high-speed connectivity needed by data centres will enhance the local network infrastructure and improve the internet reliability and speed.

Commitment to transparency and progress

As the industry continues to grow, sustainability has become a key initiative globally, with more organisations becoming environmentally conscious. Companies are being proactive in their efforts to operate responsibly by reviewing their internal and business activities, constantly implementing new practices and seeking out innovative solutions to reduce their impact.

To lead by example, companies must be transparent with their sustainability efforts. After all, effectively communicating this with valued stakeholders will instil trust. Consistently tracking and reporting on environmental key performance indicators demonstrates accountability. This includes providing detailed information on energy consumption, renewable energy adoption and responsible growth plans. Clear reporting will allow stakeholders to accurately evaluate the environmental impact of data centres and compare energy usage rates between data centres.

Investing in technologies is critical for improving energy efficiency and resource management. For instance, cooling systems account for nearly 40% of its energy consumption. By embracing advanced cooling solutions such as liquid cooling or natural cooling, organisations can significantly reduce their environmental impact and scale up the organisation responsibly. 

The road to achieving balance  

The rapid growth of the AI industry has established data centres as essential infrastructure, while also highlighting their environmental impact. 

Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach including sustainable practices, community engagement, and efficiency innovations. The repurposing of brownfield sites, investment in efficient cooling systems, and adoption of renewable energy can reduce emissions and build strong community bonds. Additionally, maintaining transparency through environmental reporting will build trust and accountability within the industry.

By placing responsible growth as a priority, the AI industry can continue to grow while remaining sustainable and environmentally conscious. After all, the pursuit of growth and technological advancement cannot come at the expense of the planet. As such, it will be important to drive innovation while safeguarding the environment.