Green Data Centres: optimising performance while upholding environmental responsibility

Data is at the heart of our digital world, and the demand continues to surge. As companies become increasingly reliant on digital services, Data Centres are more critical than ever. But their intensive energy needs present a major sustainability challenge.

The question is clear: can we meet performance and reliability expectations while significantly reducing environmental impact?

The energy challenge: data boom vs. sustainability

According to the IEA, Data Centres consumed 460 TWh of electricity in 2022—around 2% of global usage. By 2026, demand could reach 650 to 1,050 TWh due to AI, cloud computing, and 24/7 uptime expectations.

The result is a delicate balancing act: ensuring the availability and resilience of data while addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.  The question is, can Data Centres adapt without compromising their operational excellence?

5 key strategies for reducing the energy impact of Data Centres

Environmental sustainability is becoming a priority for governments, service providers and enterprises, resulting in a stronger focus on creating the best Data Centre designs and management practices.

This transformative megatrend has been identified by Frost & Sullivan as one of the top 3 strategic imperatives for the Data Centre industry.

To address their needs, these strategies span multiple areas of innovation:

1.    Sustainable infrastructure design

This approach incorporates sustainability principles throughout all stages of a facility’s life cycle, including planning, construction, operation and demolition.

• Green architecture: integrating sustainability principles into building design - such as orientation to maximise natural light and the use of energy-efficient materials – will help to reduce energy requirements. Furthermore, optimising the use of available space reduces the need for new construction.
• Modularity: designing modular Data Centres to optimise resource usage and minimise waste associated with construction.

2. Boosting energy efficiency

Optimising energy efficiency in Data Centres can be achieved through the following strategies:

• Server virtualisation: this technique allows multiple virtual machines to be grouped together on a single physical server, thereby reducing the total number of servers required and optimising resource utilisation.
• Infrastructure consolidation: reduce the number of physical servers needed, by centralising applications and data onto more powerful and efficient platforms.
•  Optimisation of storage systems: using SSD disks as opposed to conventional hard drives can enhance energy efficiency.
•  Adoption of high-efficiency equipment: enhance operational efficiency, lower heat generation and decrease the overall carbon footprint.

3.    Adoption of advanced cooling systems

According to McKinsey and Company, cooling represents nearly 40% of Data Centre’s energy use. Consider:

• Free Cooling: use outside air, when weather conditions permit, to cool equipment instead of relying on traditional air-conditioning systems.
• Liquid Cooling: immerse servers in specialised liquids designed to dissipate heat efficiently.
• Hot/cold aisle containment: optimise airflow and reduce the necessity for additional cooling measures.

4.      Integration of renewable energies

Data Centres can reduce reliance on fossil fuels by integrating renewable energy sources:

• Solar and wind power: install solar panels and wind turbines on-site generates part of the electricity requirement.
• Green Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): ensure the electricity supply from renewable sources such as hydroelectricity.

5.    Improvement in energy management practices

This involves continuously monitoring and analysing the Data Centre’s energy consumption to identify and address any irregularities promptly.

• Energy management systems (EMS): monitor and control energy consumption in real time to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective measures.
•  Energy data monitoring (e.g., PUE):  understand consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Preventive maintenance: ensure optimal performance to avoid excessive energy consumption.

The example of Green Mountain Data Centre - Stavanger, Norway

The Green Mountain Data Centre in Rennesøy, Norway, is a model of sustainability.  Housed in a former NATO ammunition depot, it uses mainly hydroelectric power, giving it a virtually zero carbon footprint.

The centre also stands out for its major environmental innovations, for example, its use of free cooling; a natural cooling technique using outside air, which significantly reduces energy consumption.

Furthermore, Green Mountain has also introduced heat reuse projects whereby the excess heat produced by servers is recovered in order to heat local facilities, such as a nearby aquaculture farm.

Safety measures are also exemplary.  Biometric access, video surveillance and advanced fire protection systems are in place to protect data.  All these initiatives make Green Mountain a leader in the development and operation of green Data Centres that balance performance with environmental responsibilities.