Data centers currently generate between 1 and 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and with the increasing use of Generative AI, the demand for these centers will continue to grow. However, the environmental impact of data centers is not limited to CO2 emissions; there are many other elements to consider. Aspects such as the use of sustainable materials in their construction, energy efficiency, and responsible use of water play a crucial role.
Sustainability has become a priority for data center operators, who are seeking to minimize their environmental impact. With the continued expansion of this type of infrastructure, the question arises of how to mitigate their ecological footprint. The key lies in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), a valuable tool that allows the environmental impact of data centers to be assessed from the beginning of their construction to their decommissioning. This facilitates more informed decision-making about the technologies and materials used in each phase.
Since 2020, Data4 has systematically adopted the use of LCA, allowing it to obtain a detailed environmental profile of its data centres in Europe. This analysis has been instrumental in identifying best practices and moving towards a net-zero emissions model.
According to Linda Lescuyer, Innovation Leader at Data4, “It is essential to have a holistic view to stay ahead of the environmental curve as new data centres are developed. In addition, it is crucial to involve the entire value chain of suppliers, to gather more accurate information on the impacts of the equipment and material that come into play in the construction of a data centre and to encourage them to find green solutions.”
ACV, sustainability in data centers
According to their studies, data centres in Europe emit between 6,600 and 10,400 tonnes of CO2 per operating megawatt over a 20-year period, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of between 1,700 and 2,800 European households. Approximately 80% of these emissions come from energy use, making energy efficiency a key factor. Improving PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) could reduce carbon emissions by up to 15%. In Spain, all energy consumption in data centres comes from certified renewable sources, although the goal is to achieve renewable consumption 24/7.
Analyzing the life cycle of data centers “from cradle to grave” is crucial to identifying how the industry can minimize its environmental impacts.
On the other hand, the construction phase of data centres also has a considerable impact, generating between 1,500 and 2,100 tonnes of CO2 per megawatt built. Reducing the dependence on resources such as aluminium, antimony, copper and lead, used in electrical equipment and batteries, could reduce the consumption of natural resources linked to these centres by 60%. In addition, the use of recycled materials such as low-carbon concrete, the reuse of existing infrastructure, and the optimisation of space in IT rooms are key strategies to reduce the environmental impact.
Finally, the use of LCA also allows for a better understanding of customers’ energy needs and the risks associated with data center operation, opening the door to innovative solutions to optimize resources. Since Data4 implemented these strategies six years ago, the carbon footprint per megawatt built has decreased by 13%, with the goal of achieving a reduction of 38% by 2030.
