Five key tenets of data center sustainability
How do you improve data center sustainability? Learn five key actions to build carbon-neutral facilities that boost energy efficiency, resilience, and decarbonization.
1. Setting a strategy
Set a bold, actionable strategy with measurable targets and transparent reporting.
2. Efficient design
Implement sustainable data center designs, prioritizing longevity, and low embodied carbon.
3. Efficient operations
Drive sustainability in operations through digitization and analytics.
4. Secure sustainable power
Buy renewable energy and tackle Scope 2 emissions.
5. Supply chain decarbonization
Decarbonize supply chains and reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Set a bold and actionable strategy with measurable targets to advance data center sustainability. Analyze critical data inputs, identify goals, and prioritize the next steps towards efficiency, resource conservation and decarbonization.
Watch the video to learn how EcoStruxure™ Resource Advisor supports sustainability planning by tracking real-time sustainability goals and performance metrics.
Sustainability measurement and reporting
Whether you are tracking metrics for compliance reporting or monitoring progress toward sustainability goals, it is essential to measure and monitor data center sustainability KPIs including energy consumption, carbon emissions, water usage, and other environmental impacts.
Key sustainability metrics
Our industry-leading white paper, "Guide to Environmental Sustainability Metrics from Data Centers", presents 28 key metrics across five impact areas.
Read the metrics guide
Identify a reporting system
An environmental sustainability management software presents data from multiple sources, enabling analytics, reporting, and optimization.
Read the white paper Discover EcoStruxure Resource Advisor
Digital Realty tracks progress
See how our customer, Digital Realty, sets targets, collects data, and measures progress toward sustainability goals.
Read the blog
Ready for the Energy Efficiency Directive? We can help
Let our expertise guide you toward the right strategy, software, and connected solutions to meet the compliance mandates of the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Leveraging efficient design and operations
As the demand for data centers grows, maintaining maximum operational efficiency is paramount. Learn how data and analytics are key to improving efficiency across the data center lifecycle.
Efficient design
Check out our validated plans for efficient IEC and ANSI designs, or learn how ETAP software can model and simulate power operations.
Learn more about ETAP
Digitization for efficiency
Digitally connected power, buildings, and IT systems enable greater visibility and help make informed decisions to improve performance.
Read the e-book Explore EcoStruxure Platform software
Planning and monitoring
Track performance across monitoring dashboards to make continuous improvement. Utilize digital twin software to anticipate how operational changes will impact efficiency.
Discover EcoStruxure IT DCIM software
Modernization and maintenance
Use a mix of maintenance, modernization, and end-of-life services to sustainably improve performance.
See the e-guide Get the white paper
Boost data center sustainability with renewable energy
As the no. 1 power purchase agreement (PPA) solution provider as ranked by Guidehouse Insights, we are a leading advisor on global energy procurement. We can also assist with energy attribute certificates, onsite and offsite projects, and tax equity financing for large programs.
Renewables and cleantech
Navigate complex renewable energy markets with top-ranked expertise you can rely on. Discover how our renewable and cleantech services can reduce emissions and stabilize energy costs.
Read our guide
Microgrids
Microgrids increase resilience while decreasing grid load, carbon footprint, and energy costs. See how a microgrid can protect your data center while enabling greener operations.
Read the white paper Explore our microgrid solutions
Battery storage
Replace diesel generators with sustainable options like Li-Ion battery storage systems, fuel cells, hydrogen, and modular nuclear power. Explore green backup power.
Get the white paper Read the blog
Secure sustainable power
Unlock secure, sustainable power for your data center. We guide you from grid assessment and renewable energy procurement to developing resilient onsite microgrids.
Dive into the white paper
Scope 3 emissions and decarbonization
How can data centers measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions? Begin with an inventory and accounting to help prioritize areas of reduction, and explore how to decarbonize your data center’s supply chain.
What are Scope 3 emissions?
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions often difficult to monitor because they outside a company’s direct control. Our research shows how to make a systematic inventory and begin monitoring.
Read the recommended inventory See a hypothetical model
Data Center Lifecycle CO₂ calculator
Our calculator estimates and sees key drivers of your data center’s carbon footprint. Try it to see which emissions sources to prioritize for reduction.
Test the calculator
Catalyze PPA Partnership
We have partnered with Intel and Applied Materials to launch a combined PPA, driving sustainability across the semiconductor value chain.
Learn more
Selecting low-carbon, sustainable solutions
How can you tell if the data center solutions you purchase are truly sustainable? Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are critical to determining embedded carbon and making product comparisons to evaluate data center sustainability impact.
Sustainable products by design
Learn about the standards for product labeling and how to read an environmental declaration document.
Read the white paper
Explore our EPDs
Look up our product environmental information including embedded carbon and RoHS and REACH compliance.
Find your product
Environmental Data Program
Explore how the Environmental Data Program reflects our commitment to transparency and create trust with our ecosystem.
Learn more
Sustainable power foundation
Boost sustainability with our Galaxy VL UPS for ultimate energy efficiency and our SF6-free AirSet switchgear, which eliminates potent greenhouse gases from your data center operations.
Galaxy VL Medium Voltage Switchgear
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1) What is a sustainable data center?
A sustainable data center is designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high performance. It uses:
- Energy-efficient infrastructure.
- •Renewable energy sources.
- Smart energy management systems.
- Strategies to reduce carbon footprint and scope 3 emissions.
These facilities support long-term resilience and align with global sustainability goals.
2) Why is improving data center sustainability important?
Improving sustainability helps organizations:
- Lower energy consumption and operating costs.
- Reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.
- Conserve water through efficient cooling systems.
- Meet decarbonization targets and regulatory requirements.
It also enhances brand reputation and supports climate action.
3) How can data centers reduce their carbon footprint?
To reduce emissions, data centers can:
- Transition to renewable energy.
- Implement smart energy optimization tools.
- Use modular sustainable infrastructure.
- Track progress with digital sustainability metrics.
These steps help achieve carbon-neutral data center goals and improve overall efficiency.