The rapid development of new technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI) – paired with immense data processing needs, is leading to a significant increase in power consumption by global data centres. Recent figures show that energy usage is predicted to increase six-fold throughout the next decade in the UK alone.
This rapid increase, in combination with the vast amounts of data being generated, is creating a growing demand for more complex storage solutions to handle both curated and non-curated data. How to do this sustainably has become a core discussion point within data centre operations.
Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles
It’s no secret that data centres demand significant volumes of continuous power to operate. As the demand for data grows, so too does the energy footprint of data centres – leading to even higher emissions. Data centre operators must, therefore, take a more proactive and innovative approach to limit their environmental impact.
This can be achieved with the use of innovative technologies and tools to better manage key elements of day-to-day operations. For example, the use of digital twins – a virtual replica of an existing system or item – can be used detect air flow changes and adjust environmental conditions within the data centre.
Facility location is also an issue and, as a result, some innovative leaders are now considering building in closer proximity to energy sources – such as nuclear power – to reach their energy requirements, while also lowering their emissions. With this closer proximity, operators can reduce energy loss during transmission, ensuring a more consistent power supply. Likewise, companies are building data centres in strategic geographic locations, including colder climates, to leverage natural cooling, enhancing both sustainability and cost efficiency.
The Six Sustainable Practices to Follow
Exactly how to achieve more sustainable operations isn’t always clear. To help data centres overcome these challenges, there are six practices which operators can consider.
Dynamic Power Management: By adjusting energy consumption according to demand, data centres can significantly improve their operational efficiency. For example, in times of low activity, power can be conserved to minimize waste without negatively impacting performance. This includes dynamic power management technologies in switch and router systems – such as shutting down unused line cards or ports – and controlling fan speeds to optimize energy use based on current needs.
During peak times, operations can be scaled up to meet increased demand to ensure consistent and dependable services. In doing so, not only reduces needless energy use, but also lowers the environmental impact associated with energy-intensive operations.
Advanced Cooling Systems: Liquid cooling technologies can also minimise power consumption and improve energy efficiency. As previously mentioned, some organisations are building their data centres in colder climates – like Scandinavia, for example – to naturally lower their cooling needs.
Direct liquid cooling is another method gaining traction for its precision and efficiency by using liquid channels to direct heat away from specific components. Likewise, liquid immersion is becoming another preferred option for some. This involves a server that is completely or partially submerged in a dielectric fluid to lower its temperature.
Modular and Recyclable Solutions: To lower the amount of e-waste, electronic equipment must be redesigned with modularity in mind to enable easier upgrades and the ability to recycle materials. Modular components would also allow for selective replacements and enhancements without discarding an entire system. Lastly, by prolonging the lifespan of equipment further reduces waste by maximising the use of resources yet minimising the frequency of replacements.
Utilising Heat Capture and Distribution: Heat produced from data centres can be captured and redistributed to provide heating to nearby facilities and homes, transforming it into a valuable resource. This approach promotes a circular energy model, in which excess heat is redirected and not discarded. Integrating data centres into local energy systems also enhances sustainability and offers considerable benefits to nearby communities while addressing broader energy efficiency initiatives.
Advanced Optical Technology: Optics are a significant contributor to power consumption within data centres. Therefore, various initiatives are currently in development and are being implemented to reduce the energy usage of optical modules. Technologies, such as Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Linear Receive Optics (LRO) and Linear Drive Pluggable Optics (LPO), are tasked to optimise the performance of optical interconnects while also significantly lowering their energy needs.
Enhancing a Net Zero Market: By combining the elements listed above, data centre operators can look to achieve carbon emission reductions and meet science-based net zero targets. However, this will be an ongoing and long-term effort, which require implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimising cooling systems and, ultimately, investment in renewable energy. Doing so will help set new industry standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, contributing to a far more sustainable future.
It is critical that companies clearly define, measure and execute these sustainability methods. However, outside of reaching their net-zero emissions goals, data centres must also make sure these methods also align with established national and international laws and deadlines.
The Brighter Side of Data Centres
While there is much work still to be done, the truth is that data centres have already played a significant role in advancing sustainability. This is demonstrated by the technologies which have helped reduce the environmental impact of human activity, including virtual collaboration tools – such as Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others. Solutions like these have significantly transformed how people and organisations communicate. In making these seamless remote interactions possible, the need for travel has dramatically decreased, leading to reduced carbon emissions by daily commutes and air travel as a result.
Additionally, innovations in automated network management tools and software-driven approaches have also propelled sustainability, particularly within IT infrastructures. Automated tools powered by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology efficiently manage network operations. This optimises energy use by allocating resources where and when necessary, preventing the over-supply of resources and reduces energy waste. Software-driven solutions – such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) – simplify operations by reducing the need for physical hardware. These solutions also enable remote management, further contributing to lower energy usage.
Beyond 2025, renewable energy is likely to become the norm in data centre operations, moving from an ambitious goal to the industry standard. The innovations and practices being adopted are critical in supporting sustainability innovation and connectivity worldwide.
Therefore, by integrating more advanced technologies, setting measurable, science-based net-zero initiatives and opting for environmentally focused solutions, data centres will be better positioned to push for a more sustainable digital future and support global innovation and connectivity.
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