Felicia Chou
September 23, 2025
Net-zero, sustainable data centers? It can be done, according to new Ramboll report
Ramboll unveiled a groundbreaking report at Climate Week NYC that provides a strategic roadmap for minimizing the environmental impact of data centers. It presents actionable items and clear benchmarks for data center stakeholders, and targets key sustainability areas including embodied and operational carbon, water and energy efficiency, circularity, and ecosystem preservation.
A new report released today at Climate Week New York City by Ramboll, a global engineering, architecture and sustainability consulting company, lays out a strategic roadmap to address the negative environmental impact of data centers. The report offers tangible ways to reduce negative impacts related to carbon emissions, water, biodiversity and material use.
‘Developing sustainable data centers: A strategic roadmap to achieve net zero carbon and reduce environmental impact’ offers full value chain solutions in designing, developing and delivering data centers, and outlines a series of achievable benchmarks for owners, developers, operators, and consultants. This first-of-its-kind report addresses the key areas affecting data center sustainability: embodied carbon, operational carbon, biodiversity, circularity, energy, and water.
“The construction of data centers powered by the rise of artificial intelligence is booming across the globe, driving unprecedented demand for electricity and significantly contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions, increased water consumption, waste production, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. These challenges can be managed and mitigated if data centers are built with climate, biodiversity, and circularity impacts in mind from the very start.”
Tackling operational and embodied carbon
Data centers accounted for about 1.5 percent of global electricity consumption last year and the amount is expected to double by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Due to the large quantities of energy consumed, operational carbon is the dominant component of total carbon emitted by data centers. The report reveals that an operational carbon benchmark of net zero is achievable through optimised energy efficiency and renewable energy procurement, energy reuse and export, and demand response.
Embodied carbon, contained in the structure and materials of data centers, can be reduced by using low carbon steel and concrete, locally sourced materials, or reused materials from decommissioned buildings.
Designing for positive net outcomes for biodiversity
It is vital to integrate biodiversity considerations into planning, design, construction, and operation of data centers to minimise the negative impact on ecosystems, protect existing natural habitats, and promote diversity of species within and around the data centers.
For example, it is recommended to conduct early-stage ecological surveys to identify protected species, habitats, and ecological corridors, as well as engage landscape architects early in the process to influence site layouts.
“Meeting the growing demand for AI while safeguarding the planet for future generations are not mutually exclusive. We have completed over 1,000 studies, supported over $60 billion in due diligence transactions, and designed and tested more than 15 GW of data center capacity. We know sustainability can and should be a priority, and we work with our clients to minimize impact and maximize efficiency at every step of the way."
Focus on circularity and water neutrality
Data centers can further minimise their environmental footprint by implementing circularity practices. The proposed circularity benchmark for data centers is that all materials are reused, reusable or recyclable, with zero output to landfill or incineration.
Notoriously data centers consume large quantities of water, causing concern in water-scarce areas. The problem can be addressed with overall water neutrality that’s achievable with appropriate water reduction and reuse strategies. Data centers operators should avoid water-based cooling, maximise cycles of concentration, and use additional water resources such as rainwater.
“There are economic benefits for data centers owners if they focus on circular practices,” explains Ed Ansett. “For instance, the sole physical byproduct of data center energy consumption is heat, which has historically been unused and released to atmosphere. Data centers are in an excellent position to export what would otherwise be wasted energy.”
Ramboll’s global capability to address data center needs
Our company is the sustainability-first partner for top tier tech and data center clients around the world, offering full lifecycle support that spans strategy, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning. With decades of experience and a multidisciplinary team, Ramboll helps clients meet environmental goals while navigating complex regulatory landscapes across global markets. With our holistic and strategic approach, we are transforming the future of data centers through impactful and lasting solutions to our clients’ most pressing challenges.
For questions or media queries reach out to press@ramboll.com or fchou@ramboll.com
About Ramboll
Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering and consultancy company founded in Denmark in 1945. Ramboll’s more than 18,000 employees create sustainable solutions across Buildings, Transport, Architecture & Landscape, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, and Management Consulting. Across the world, Ramboll combines local experience with a global knowledge base to create sustainable cities and societies.
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Felicia Chou
Public Relations and Media Outreach Mgr
+1 703-516-2313