At first glance, data centres might seem like a villain in the conversation about climate change. After all, the IT industry currently contributes an estimated 2-3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions according to PWC. Add to that the projected surge in global data centre demand by 2025 (Data Center Dynamics), and it’s easy to paint a bleak picture. But is this truly the full story? Are data centres really as damaging as they appear?
Understanding the environmental impact of data centres in context
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The growth of data centres
A necessary solution
The truth lies in context. To answer this question, we have to rewind the clock by a couple of decades. Back then, servers hummed away inefficiently in broom cupboards and under desks, cooled by outdated air conditioning systems with little to no consideration for energy efficiency. Without the consolidated infrastructure we now call data centres, emissions from ad-hoc server setups and scattered computing systems would be far higher than the 2-3% figure we’re working with today.
Datum’s Account Director, Matt McCluney, offers a simple yet powerful analogy when it comes to understanding the role of data centres:
“Think of data centres as buses – they might be large and not always aesthetically pleasing, but isn’t it far better to share the ride rather than have everyone hopping into individual cars? The alternative is far less efficient, more damaging to the environment, and completely unsustainable. And as technology improves, buses now run on hydrogen – and similar advances can be enjoyed by data centre operators and their clients.”
The reality is that data centres aren’t going anywhere. Our appetite for digital activities – online shopping, streaming, remote work, cloud storage – alone guarantees this. These facilities are essential, and they’re designed to create efficiencies through economies of scale.
Beyond data storage
Data centres are the backbone of some of the most critical research and development happening today. Within the aforementioned 2-3% of global emissions lies the computational power driving vaccine development, genetic medicine, cancer research, and countless other scientific breakthroughs. These are the tools that allow researchers and engineers to tackle humanity’s toughest challenges.
Without the speed, scalability, and connectivity offered by data centres, this work would take decades longer (or even be impossible), involve far greater energy costs and inefficiencies. From technological innovation to societal progress, data centres are deeply intertwined with the solutions shaping our world for the better.
And then there’s how data centres touch our everyday lives. Think of the conveniences we depend on – from next-day Amazon Prime deliveries to uninterrupted video calls. Data centres make this all possible, and they do so with far greater efficiency than the piecemeal systems of yesteryear.
Data centres must fuel progress … sustainably
This isn’t to say that data centres get a free pass. The industry’s impact on the environment is undeniable, and its leaders have to take accountability to ensure their operations are sustainable. Many organisations falsely believe that outsourcing their workloads to the cloud is enough to reduce emissions. While it’s true that consolidating workloads improves efficiency, data centre providers themselves must go above and beyond to be a part of the broader decarbonisation solution.
This means adopting bold methods to achieve carbon neutrality while supporting rapid technological and economic growth. Sustainable practices need to underpin every aspect of data centre operations – only then can they be a truly positive force in the fight against climate change.
What we’re doing
At Datum, we are committed to being an essential part of the solution. Here are just a few of the steps we’re taking to minimise environmental impact while supporting the growing demand for digital infrastructure:
- All our power contracts supply our facilities with 100% renewable energy.
- Our data centres employ high-efficiency free cooling chillers to reduce energy use.
- All new construction projects include solar PV panels to generate renewable energy on-site.
- Our new Manchester data centre (nearing construction completion) is designed with heat reuse capability, enabling a district heat network for nearby housing.
- We use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in our backup generators – one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels.
- We minimise water consumption to reduce environmental impact.
A balanced perspective
Data centres have the potential to not only minimise their impact on the environment but also actively contribute solutions through smarter design and sustainability initiatives. By appreciating the progress we’ve made so far and continuing to push for better energy practices, we can ensure that data centres remain indispensable engines of progress whilst reducing their burden on the planet. If you’re looking to migrate your data centre off premise, get in touch to talk to us about your requirements.