How to Make AI Data Centers More Sustainable

Instead of these kinds of knee-jerk solutions (which inexorably provoke valid community pushback), we need to design data centers with smarter strategies that account for local constraints. For instance, we need to look beyond the usual suspects in terms of regions and spread data centers across new, diverse geographies, powered by novel combinations of electricity sources.

And there are many ways in which data centers can be powered: in Nevada, Google is developing a geothermal power project that is set to provide its data centers with 24/7 renewable energy. Regulatory frameworks can accelerate this. Ireland, for instance, has instituted a mandate requiring 80% new renewable energy for new data centers. Given the fast pace of data center buildout, we will need a mix of regulatory approaches and corporate commitments to make it as green as possible. 

But we should also be tracking and reducing the environmental impacts of data centers all across their lifecycle – for instance, during their design and construction, by choosing more sustainable materials, like timber and low-carbon concrete to reduce overall emissions. And instead of clearing land for new facilities, we should prioritize reusing old factories and industrial buildings that stand vacant. Many of these sites are connected to energy grids and water infrastructure, and already have zoning statuses that make permitting faster, without the need to clear or reclaim land.