SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTRES

As AI, crypto, and cloud technology surge, data centres are growing fast - powering progress, but also placing demands on energy, water, and land.

In this report our SDP Roundtable collaborated with leading cloud and data centre providers to examine both sides of the data centre equation and how we can reshape risks into innovation opportunities.

The report also provides practical ideas from for how executives can reduce their organisation’s digital footprint and demand on data centres, including:

  • Connecting to why

  • Embedding sustainability metrics from procurement to performance

  • Using only what you need

  • Reviewing your data

  • Getting involved with climate reporting

Published: April 2025

Sustainable digitalisation principles addressed

The sustainable digitalisation principles and factors that this report touches on are marked below in bold.

1_ Clarity of Purpose

  • Determination of Purpose

  • Disclosure and Consent

2_ Benefit to Humanity

  • Human Centricity

  • Privacy

  • Data Ownership

3_ Whole Impact

  • Cybersecurity

  • Environment

  • Hardware Materials

4_ Broad Responsibility

  • Systemic Impacts

  • System Resilience

  • Future Impacts

5_ Stakeholder Accountability

  • Data Quality and Trustworthiness

  • Complaint Management

  • Accountable Parties

  • Transparency

Start applying the sustainable digitalisation principles in your business and on your digital deployments with our Principle Application Frameworks.

Image at top: Lucrezia Carnelo