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The amount ofdatawe use is rising rapidly.
Creating sustainable digital infrastructure that can cope with these new requirements is a tricky task.
However, are data centers the catalyst for sustainable change?
And what should they be doing to play their role in the climate fight?
Senior Sustainability Manager at Colt DCS.
Where have we been and where are we now?
In the 1990s and 2000s, demand for data centers was minimal.
Primarily used by content providers to host companies ande-commercesites, their energy consumption and emissions were relatively low.
For instance, the AI industry alone could consume as much energy as the Netherlands by 2027.
The environmental impact of data centres must not be underestimated.
However, not all data centers are as ahead of the curve as others.
What should DCs be doing?
DCs have a responsibility to up their environmental game.
There are many areas where DCs can improve their green credentials, including energy, waste, and biodiversity.
But considerations for the environment often end here.
True decarbonization requires tangible net-zero strategies, achieved throughcollaborationwithcustomersand suppliers.
Ultimately, your efforts can be negated when green initiatives are overshadowed by unsustainable partners.
What will the future of DCs look like?
Science-based, measurable goals create a clear view of the path ahead.
One element that will become more important in the future is DCs embedded carbon footprint.
This makes supplier evaluation and partner choice even more important.
When managed correctly, data centers can, and should, be a key player in the climate fight.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc.
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