Intelligent Data Centres Issue 30 | Page 46

FEATURE and that actually remove carbon from the atmosphere ? How do we account for embodied carbon in building materials and use that to inform design ? How can we minimise water usage ? Employing water reclamation methods for reduced waste or responsibly using grey water can make a big difference in water impacts . Meanwhile , reducing energy consumption by leveraging outside air for more efficient cooling and increasing use of alternative energy will help decrease and avoid CO 2 emissions overall .
Amanda Sutton , Senior Director of Sustainability , Vantage Data Centers
emission reductions while maintaining power reliability .
We can take things even further and create tangible examples of our commitment to being a good business partner to local communities and supporting their local sustainability initiatives . For instance , in Zurich , Vantage Data Centers will have a dedicated green space just outside of the fenced campus dedicated to pedestrian usage . This is just one of many examples of a data centre operator and local leaders partnering to further mutual conservation goals .
As an industry , we must all come together to further environmental goals and ensure a more viable and sustainable future . Organisations like the Data Centre Coalition and its Public Policy Priorities are a good starting point . Yet we must continue to look for additional opportunities that will enable us all to collaborate on all levels as we tackle sustainability challenges .
Broadening the perspective beyond power is critical
When data centre operators think about sustainability , the first thing they tend to look at is power consumption . That makes sense given the points made above , but there is more to the sustainability discussion beyond the use of renewable / clean power and how best to reduce the amount of energy data centres use .
In fact , we must all start thinking about sustainability before sites are selected and the first layer of concrete is poured for our building ’ s foundations . To add the most value , sustainable design must begin in the initial planning stages and involve a number of considerations , including the location of the facility , sources of available energy , how to leverage the regional climate for cooling or heating , and local regulations and requirements . These considerations are the first step towards creating a more sustainable operation over the life of the asset .
It ’ s also important to consider water consumption and carbon emissions . What can we do to offset emissions in ways that are both meaningful to the environment
These do not have to be large and costly initiatives . Simple gestures , like using automated LED lighting systems in car parks and providing electric vehicle charging stations , also help . Indeed , even these small things push our industry further forward on the sustainability path .
Keep adding value
Albert Einstein once said , ‘ strive not to be a success , but rather to be of value ’. Yet I would argue that the two go handin-hand . If we can continue to drive value – by becoming valuable corporate citizens , by delivering value to our environmentally-conscious customers , and by being valuable assets to local sustainability initiatives – our industry will succeed in becoming a beacon for others to follow .
For that to happen , we must continue pushing forward and exploring creative strategies to support local and global environmental efforts . For example , in Zurich , Vantage Data Centers has designed our facilities with the ability to connect to district heating if and when a municipal project is planned . This would enable interested local officials to redeploy the waste heat our data centres generate as a heating source for other buildings . That kind of collaboration effectively illustrates how industry leaders and local authorities can work together to generate effective and practical solutions that provide value to customers and the community .
In the end , that ’ s the kind of ideal combination we should strive for : strong partnerships , smart resource management and a passion for doing everything we can to get us all where we need to be . ◊
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