Page 8 - Issue 1 2023

DATA CENTRES

backup power in case of outage is footprint, meaning that they – and the world – can only reach net-zero by taking
expected to increase, with recent testing huge strides to reduce their indirect emissions. This can be done firstly by accurately
of hydrogen fuel cell systems taking measuring and reporting on them, and then following this up by taking swift action to
place with positive results. mitigate them.
Hydrogen will have a role to play Reporting is crucial, as you can only manage what you measure. However, reporting
in our carbon neutral energy future, has historically been difficult and inconsistent because organisations are not in control
but with around 99% of hydrogen still of their indirect emissions and the relevant data is not always identifiable, measurable,
derived from fossil fuels according to or accessible. Moving forward therefore, increasing reporting standards will assist
the International Energy Agency (IEA), businesses to work collaboratively with their data centre partners to accurately report
and on-site energy storage remaining a on their carbon output and use that opportunity to spot areas where reductions can be
challenge from a capacity perspective, made within the supply chain. Transparency and accountability will be key, with data
there is still work to be done to develop centre operators poised to lead the charge.
clean hydrogen alternatives, to a
point where the reliance on backup Empowering customers to evolve
diesel generators can be phased out According to the IEA, data centres and data transmission networks are responsible
completely. for nearly 1% of all energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. In recent
Luckily, hydrogen can be produced years, carbon has become a proxy for risk, with GHG reports expected to come under
from various clean energy sources like greater scrutiny due to increasing governmental focus. It will soon become untenable
electrolysis powered by wind and solar, for businesses to stay out of the ESG conversation.
so if the will remains to develop green Traditionally, customers have been anchored in their expectations of their data
hydrogen as a carbon-free alternative, centre provision, but the world can simply no longer support requests for thousands
the industry must surely find itself of additional on-site diesel generators. Scalability with fossil fuel solutions is no longer
inevitably moving towards that goal. viable. Some customers, however, are becoming aware of the trajectory towards
Crucially, regulation can accelerate decarbonisation and looking to their co-location providers to offer guidance and
this journey by incentivising proper support, as well as education on how to install their hardware with efficiency in mind;
tracking and certification of where green this by only running the space they require, avoiding over-cooling and measuring their
hydrogen has been sourced from. own PUE to track their progress.
In relation to their Scope 3 emissions, many customers are also now recognising
Prepare for regulatory change the need to identify improvements in their supply chain and seeking partners with
As awareness grows around the impact less carbon-intensive solutions to help them meet their goals, having recognised the
of carbon emissions and pressure power their IT equipment consumes as part of their own energy footprint. Providers
builds from regulators, investors are well positioned, therefore, to purchase 100% clean energy at scale, in line with GHG
and increasingly climate-conscious reporting protocols, and provide it to clients as they need it – from a single rack to an
customers, governments are preparing entire data hall.
the ground to make progress on Prompted by the increasing human demand for more and better digitalisation,
compelling organisations to track their the anticipated growth in the data centre market will continue to spark conversations
Scope 3 emissions, with additional ESG around the role of big tech in our societies. As sustainability and responsible technology
reporting requirements anticipated to usage continues to steer the agenda, it has become clear that we are now operating in
be on the legislative agenda. a business landscape where adhering to ESG principles makes good business sense, as
According to Deloitte, Scope 3 shifting cultural attitudes pave the way for regulatory change. Operators and customers
emissions can account for as much alike should therefore look to 2023 as an opportunity to future-proof their businesses
as 70% of an organisation’s carbon and build strong, collaborative partnerships as the climate conversation continues.

EngineerIT | Issue 1 2023 | 8