INSIGHT
Data Centres: Environmental Impact & Sustainability
Data centres need a substantial amount of energy to run servers, networking equipment, and cooling systems. Whilst indispensable for modern digital infrastructure, business-as-usual operation is unsustainable in a decarbonising world. We explore the challenges and key opportunities to improve sustainability.
Introduction
As essential elements of our digital ecosystem, data centres support everything from cloud storage to the seamless operation of networks. However, the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by the digitalisation of industries and growing demand for cloud services, has heightened awareness of their environmental impact. This article explores the sustainability challenges faced by data centres and the ways Viro can assist operators in minimising these impacts through innovative assessments and compliance services.
Data Centre Demand
​Data centres are the backbone of the digital world, functioning as critical storage, processing, and networking hubs for data. Supporting applications from cloud storage to digital communication, data centers power most of the devices, software, and networks that connect us. Their demand is only growing as industries advance in artificial intelligence, IoT, big data, and other technologies. Yet, the growth of data centers comes with a significant environmental cost, especially in terms of energy and water use..
Environmental Impact: The Sustainability Challenge of Data Centres
The environmental impact of data centres is substantial. Globally, the digital sector generates an estimated 1.4 billion tonnes of COâ‚‚ each year, with data centres being one of the largest contributors. In addition to high carbon emissions, data centres consume around 7.8 million cubic meters of water annually, primarily for cooling purposes.
Key Challenges:
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High Energy Demand: Operating 24/7 to maintain uptime, data centres require significant electricity to run servers, storage, and networking equipment, as well as cooling systems. The power needs of a single data centre can rival those of a small city.
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Intensive Water Consumption: Data centres frequently rely on water-cooled systems to prevent overheating. With many centres using evaporative cooling, water consumption is high, making water efficiency a critical concern for sustainable operations.
The Push for Sustainable Practices
As more data centres are built, the need for sustainable practices has become urgent. Operators are under pressure to reduce energy consumption, adopt renewable energy sources, and implement advanced cooling systems. The UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2050 amplifies the need for data centers to adopt sustainable practices.
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Efforts have now shifted towards improving sustainability throughout the design and construction process as well as operationally by:
• Turning to renewable power supplies
• Implementing advanced water management technologies
• Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and equipment
Sustainable Design
The shift toward sustainable design is critical, with operators seeking ways to manage energy use and emissions not only during construction but also throughout their operational life.
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Sustainable Design Initiatives: By investing in renewable power sources, adopting advanced water management strategies, and prioritising energy-efficient equipment, data centres can lower their environmental footprint and support global decarbonisation efforts.
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The Urgency of Change: With the UK investing over £25 billion in data centres between July and October 2024 alone, operators face increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets and help the country reach its net-zero goals.
The Viro Advantage: Supporting Sustainable Data Centres from Design to Operation
Viro’s team of certified sustainability consultants provide end-to-end support for operators. Our services include sustainability assessments, regulatory guidance, BREEAM certification, and Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA). We can adapt and utilise our expertise to tailor to the specific needs of data centres.
Many data centres measure their efficiency using Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), a metric that compares the facility's total power consumption to the power used for computing equipment alone. Lower PUE values indicate higher energy efficiency, with an ideal target being 1.0, though many facilities exceed this due to cooling needs. By improving PUE, data centres can better allocate power toward computing needs rather than overheads like cooling, allowing for potentially higher computing capacity without increasing energy costs.
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How we can help:
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Customised Solutions: We work with clients to develop tailored strategies that prioritise energy efficiency, water management, and carbon reduction, aligning with the latest environmental standards.
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Long-Term Sustainability: Viro’s approach focuses on sustainability throughout the data centre lifecycle, from initial design and construction to daily operations, ensuring projects are compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
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Click here to get in touch to find out more about all our services and how we can help.
For more information about WLCA, click here to see a comprehensive overview.
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