Developing sustainable data centers: A strategic roadmap to achieve net zero carbon and reduce environmental impact

Data centres are important, mission critical facilities essential to many aspects of modern life – and their scope continues to expand. Consequently, electricity demand from data centres is growing rapidly, set to reach 130GW by 2028 according to BCG, comprising 3% of total global consumption. With this continued growth comes increased concern over the impact on the environment.

If this is not addressed, this necessary capacity increase in data centres may be frustrated through regulatory barriers and negative public reaction. Ramboll’s first-of-its-kind whitepaper addresses each aspect of these concerns directly, providing a holistic, detailed, and multi-pronged approach to reducing the climate impact of data centres.

“The construction of data centres 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,” says Ed Ansett, Ramboll’s Global Director of Technology and Innovation. “These challenges can be managed and mitigated if data centres will be built with a sustainability, biodiversity, and circularity in mind from the very start.”

For the next generation of data centres to have a lower environmental impact, several key aspects of their construction and operation must be changed in line with these principles. Our whitepaper examines each aspect in turn and gives data centre operators actionable steps to transform their data centres and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

How can data centres become more sustainable?

Data centres accounted for about 1.5 percent of global electricity consumption in 2024 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 footprint emitted by data centres. 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 centres, can be reduced by using low carbon steel and concrete, locally sourced materials, or reused materials from decommissioned buildings.

It is vital to integrate biodiversity considerations into planning, design, construction, and operation of data centres to minimise the negative impact on ecosystems, protect existing natural habitats, and promote diversity of species within and around the data centres.

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.

Data centres can further minimise their environmental footprint by implementing circularity practices. The proposed circularity benchmark for data centres is that all materials are reused, reusable or recyclable, with zero output to landfill or incineration.

Data centres can consume large quantities of water, causing concern in water-scarce areas. This can be addressed with overall water neutrality, achievable with appropriate water reduction and reuse strategies. Data centre co-location operators should avoid water-based cooling, maximise cycles of concentration, and use additional water resources such as rainwater.

“There are economic benefits for data centres owners if they focus on circular practices,” explains Ed Ansett. “For instance, the sole physical byproduct of data centre energy consumption is heat, which has historically been unused and released to atmosphere. Data centres are in an excellent position to export what would otherwise be wasted energy.”

Frequently asked questions about sustainable data centres

The amount of carbon that a data centre produces depends on the energy mix used to power it. Using fossil fuels produces more carbon.

For example, coal-powered data centres produce 975gCO₂e /kWh, and oil-powered data centres produce 775gCO₂e /kWh. Data centres powered by natural gas produce up to 550gCO₂e /kWh.

Renewable energy significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide produced in data centre operation. Wind powered data centres produce the lowest amount of carbon dioxide, only 5gCO₂e /kWh.

A net zero data centre is one which produces no net greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through reducing embodied carbon, reducing operational carbon through measures such as using renewable energy, carbon offsetting, or a mixture of all three.

Energy efficient design can reduce the energy consumption of a data centre throughout its entire lifecycle. Alternative cooling solutions, such as liquid cooling, hot/cold aisle containment, and free air cooling can also reduce a data centre’s energy consumption.

Using natural conditions to cool data centres reduces their reliance on mechanical cooling systems, thereby saving energy and reducing the impact on the environment. Airside economisers use outdoor air to cool data centres, whereas waterside economisers use chilled water.

Read our whitepaper to discover a holistic approach to decarbonising data centres and the steps you can take to reduce their environmental impact.