As data centers grow to accommodate the exponential demands of AI, the focus on building sustainable infrastructure has become crucial. The industry faces the dual challenge of increasing capacity while minimizing environmental impact. Achieving environmental goals in this context requires innovative approaches to energy efficiency, site selection, and collaboration with stakeholders.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Sourcing
Operators are investing in energy-efficient hardware and cooling systems to reduce energy consumption. In 2024, advancements in AI have led to a significant increase in demand for data centers, prompting innovation in design and technology to manage higher power densities. Major cloud providers are meeting their energy needs through 100% renewable sources, setting a benchmark for others in the industry. Additionally, companies are exploring energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to help stabilize supply and address the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy. In addition, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with green energy suppliers are becoming increasingly common as organizations seek sustainable energy procurement options that allow them to use renewable energy directly.
EdgeConneX also embarked on a multi-year 24/7 Carbon Free Energy (CFE) program, which tracks CFE usage in near real-time hourly or even more precise increments using AI modeling. This methodology can be applied to both new and existing data centers, ensuring they are powered with 100% renewable electricity at any time, regardless of the energy mix of the local grid. This innovative AI approach enables older, less efficient facilities to take better 
advantage of cleaner energy, reducing their carbon footprint without requiring new construction.
To learn more, download our white paper: Advancing Toward Sustainability: A Year of Operating a Data Center with 24/7 Carbon Free Energy Goals HERE
With all this investment and the many innovative measures, the U.S. sustainable data center market is projected to double by 2029, driven by commitments to green technologies and renewable energy procurement.
Sustainable Site Selection
The selection of sites for new data centers is increasingly influenced by several factors, including access to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar potential, cooler climates, and reliable grid infrastructure. Geopolitical stability and local regulations also play significant roles in the decision-making process. Additionally, water availability is essential for cooling operations, making it an important consideration for sustainable site selection.
EdgeConneX collaborates with customers to identify optimal locations by leveraging global partnerships to manage permitting, land banking, and power banking. With over 80% of megawatts deployed as build-to-suit solutions, we provide access to a robust supply chain and extensive experience, having developed over 80 data centers globally. Our flexible and efficient designs can support more than 300 kW per cabinet with high-density solutions.
Comprehensive due diligence, which includes environmental impact assessments and community engagement, is crucial for identifying optimal locations and mitigating potential risks. As power constraints become increasingly critical, secondary markets with ample power availability are attracting more investment. This strategic site selection helps operators optimize energy usage and meet their sustainability targets.
Innovative Design and Reporting
Data center design is evolving to prioritize sustainability, focusing on achieving green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and EnergyStar. EdgeConneX has proudly achieved Energy Star certifications in 21 US data centers, which is over 80% of its U.S. facilities, setting a benchmark for energy efficiency. Adopting modular data centers and using sustainable construction materials, such as recycled steel, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and low-carbon concrete, can also significantly reduce environmental impact.
Modern data centers also incorporate advanced cooling methods for efficiency and sustainability, minimizing water usage through closed-loop cooling systems, optimized airflow management, and recycling technologies. These reduce the energy required for cooling, which is one of the largest operational costs.
To address transparency, operators are enhancing ESG reporting with real-time data to track energy and resource usage. As such, EdgeConneX was recognized with the highest ranking in the Structure Research 2023 State of Environmental Impact Report, highlighting our deep commitment to efficiency and transparency as it relates to sustainability and the environment. EdgeConneX also aligns ESG efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using them as a framework to communicate our sustainability goals and achievements. Transparency frameworks like GRI and SASB are aiding in standardizing these efforts, promoting accountability, transparency, and open communication with stakeholders.
Sustainability is now integrated into every phase of data center operations, from site selection to the construction and management of facilities. The industry’s push for innovation in reporting and collaboration is vital as customers and regulators demand greater accountability. While there may be tensions between immediate performance demands for AI deployments and long-term sustainability goals, the two can coexist. The next decade will likely see AI evolve in ways that prioritize both efficiency and environmental responsibility, especially as the industry recognizes that long-term viability depends on sustainability.
As AI continues to drive demand, the role of data centers in achieving a sustainable future will only become more significant.