In the modern digital era, the sustainability of data centres has emerged as a pressing concern, prompting substantial industry transformations. Since its launch in 2010, the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) UK Data Centres scheme has been pivotal in addressing the escalating energy consumption of these facilities. A 2019 survey conducted by BREEAM, with over 60% of respondents operating primarily in Europe, has provided vital insights into the sustainability perspectives dominant within the region.
BREEAM has been a global benchmark for evaluating the environmental impact of buildings since its inception in 1990, certifying over half a million structures across 83 countries. Its emphasis on the lifecycle of the built environment underscores the importance of sustainable assets, especially within the energy-intensive data centre industry. The UK Data Centres scheme was designed to offer a comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing not only energy efficiency but also management practices, water consumption, and transport impacts.
The evolution of the industry has seen the emergence of new metrics, standards, and best practices aimed at addressing broader sustainability impacts. In early 2019, a BREEAM survey supported by Keysource aimed to capture industry insights to refine the BREEAM data centre assessment. The survey sought to determine if current standards sufficiently addressed wider sustainability impacts, identify significant sustainability issues, and evaluate the benefits of addressing these impacts.
The survey, which garnered 58 responses from a diverse group of industry professionals, revealed that 59% of participants believed current standards did not adequately address sustainability beyond energy efficiency. Key sustainability impacts identified included renewable energy sources (38%), circular economy principles (31%), waste heat reuse (28%), and water use (28%). These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges facing the data centre industry.
Given the substantial energy requirements of data centres, the push for renewable energy sources is critical. The emphasis on a circular economy reflects global concerns about electronic waste (e-waste), while waste heat reuse and water consumption, driven by cooling systems, emerged as critical considerations. Cooling systems alone account for approximately 40% of a data centre’s total energy consumption, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in this area.
Nevertheless, the survey also pinpointed several obstacles in addressing these sustainability impacts. A lack of awareness (37%), lack of collaboration (26%), and lack of investment (21%) were identified as significant barriers. To surmount these challenges, respondents highlighted the necessity for enhanced knowledge sharing, education, and collaboration within the industry. Half of the respondents called for more regulation and enforcement, 44% advocated for increased awareness and education, and 28% suggested enhanced collaboration.
Despite these challenges, addressing sustainability impacts offers notable advantages. While cost savings were acknowledged, respondents primarily valued the reputational benefits, innovation, and heightened awareness that accompany sustainable practices. Many industry professionals perceive sustainability as a means to differentiate themselves in the market, future-proof operations, and fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. This broader understanding of sustainability’s long-term benefits extends beyond immediate financial gains.
Interestingly, holistic sustainability assessment schemes like BREEAM and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which both include data centre criteria, scored lower (28% and 17%, respectively) compared to specialised industry standards like the EU Code of Conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency. This preference may be influenced by the respondents’ geographical focus on Europe and the specialised nature of data centre requirements. Nevertheless, 28% of respondents believed that BREEAM effectively addressed wider sustainability impacts.
Data centres are responsible for approximately 1% of global electricity consumption, with the average data centre using as much electricity as 25,000 households. The global data centre market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2021 to 2026, further amplifying the importance of sustainable practices. BREEAM’s assessment criteria encompass factors such as biodiversity and indoor air quality, which are essential in creating environmentally responsible data centres.
The industry’s increasing adoption of green financing options, such as green loans and sustainability-linked loans, provides additional incentives for data centres to pursue BREEAM certification and other sustainability initiatives. Data centres that achieve BREEAM certification often see increased asset value, reflecting the market’s growing appreciation for sustainable investments.
Looking ahead, the data centre industry is poised for significant transformations driven by sustainability. The expected growth of the global data centre market, coupled with increasing regulatory pressures, will likely accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices. Enhanced collaboration across industries will be crucial for achieving circular economy goals, particularly in managing e-waste. The substantial amount of electronic waste generated by data centres can be mitigated by a circular economy model promoting recycling and reuse.
Ultimately, the future of data centre sustainability will hinge on balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. BREEAM’s continued adaptation and responsiveness to industry feedback will be key in supporting the sustainable development of data centres worldwide. As awareness and education efforts expand, the industry may overcome current barriers, leading to more widespread adoption of holistic sustainability assessment schemes like BREEAM. The evolving landscape of data centre sustainability demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of addressing broader environmental impacts. Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, along with the support of BREEAM and other sustainability assessment schemes, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable data centres.
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