Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are reshaping industries. However, the advancement of technologies like AI drives up energy consumption, leading to environmental challenges. At Digital Realty, we're not just keeping pace with sustainability demands; we're setting the standard. Our commitment to green practices goes beyond meeting regulations—it's about redefining what's possible in data center sustainability.

Our approach to sustainability

In 2020, we joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), becoming the first global data center organization of our size to do so. We set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. To put this into perspective, that’s like reducing a 60-minute commute to just under 20 minutes or cutting household waste by almost a quarter.

Our strategy to meet these goals is simple: we aim to build, power, and operate better, more sustainable data centers. We are designing facilities that minimize environmental impact, finding greener energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and continuously improving operational efficiency by investing in new technologies and embracing the circular economy. By focusing on these areas, we are not only setting the highest sustainability standards but also leading the industry in innovation and driving a positive environmental impact for a greener future.

Pioneering efficiency measures

Our journey towards sustainability extends far beyond renewable energy sources. We've implemented a range of initiatives to boost efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint:

1. LED lighting: in the Netherlands, we've transitioned to LED lighting across our facilities, significantly reducing energy consumption, and improving overall lighting quality.

2. Temperature management: by optimizing inlet temperatures in our data halls in the Netherlands, we've achieved substantial energy savings without compromising performance. This fine-tuning process has resulted in improved power usage effectiveness (PUE) metrics across our facilities.

3. Electric vehicle fleet: Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our data center operations and extends to our entire workforce. In the Netherlands, we've made the shift to 100% electric vehicles for our colleagues, reflecting our broader dedication to eco-friendly practices. This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also sets an example for corporate responsibility and demonstrates our holistic approach to sustainability.

4. HVO fuel transition: in the Netherlands, we've transitioned from conventional diesel to HVO100 (100% hydrotreated vegetable oil) for our backup power generators, significantly cutting carbon emissions. Globally, 15% of our portfolio has done the same. This innovative fuel solution maintains reliability while significantly lowering our environmental impact.

Tackling the AI Energy Challenge

As AI systems demand more processing power, energy consumption in data centers is skyrocketing. At Digital Realty, we're tackling this challenge head-on:

1. Power supply solutions: We're innovating to make sure that AI systems receive the power they need without overloading the grid. This involves smart load balancing, exploring new energy storage technologies, and working closely with local utility providers to ensure sustainable growth.

2. Liquid cooling: We’re implementing advanced liquid cooling technologies—an efficient solution for managing the heat generated by AI deployments compared to traditional air-cooling. Currently, more than half of our global portfolio is liquid-cooling ready. These innovations have the potential to transform data center design, dramatically cutting cooling-related energy consumption and improving overall system performance.

3. Waste heat utilization: We're exploring ways to repurpose the heat generated by our data centers, including potential partnerships with local communities and industries to use this waste heat productively. This circular approach to energy management could transform data centers from energy consumers to community energy contributors. Currently, we are involved in several district heating projects globally, from Seattle to Stockholm, helping to heat thousands of homes and businesses across the world.

Regulatory compliance and beyond

Our approach to sustainability isn't just about meeting current standards—it's about anticipating future needs. We're actively involved in shaping industry standards through participation in trade associations and regulatory discussions. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Digital Realty stays ahead of regulatory curves and market trends, positioning us as a leader in sustainable data center operations.

Hybrid multi-cloud infrastructure

As businesses scale their AI implementations in 2024, they'll need to accelerate the adoption of hybrid multi-cloud infrastructure. Digital Realty serves as a gateway to both public and private clouds. With ServiceFabric™ Connect, enterprises can seamlessly connect to their hybrid IT ecosystem, quickly arranging connectivity between Digital Realty's colocation facilities and third-party data centers, clouds, and service providers. This flexibility allows businesses to optimize their AI workloads across various environments, balancing performance, cost, and compliance requirements.

Addressing key concerns

As AI implementations scale, IT leaders must develop strategies that account for regulatory and cybersecurity considerations:

1. Data privacy and security: companies concerned about ransomware and other security challenges can transition to private cloud environments for enhanced control and oversight. Our facilities offer state-of-the-art physical and digital security measures to protect sensitive AI models and data.

2. Data sovereignty: Government regulations on data processing are leading companies to seek more control over the geography and location of data processing units. Digital Realty's global presence allows businesses to choose data center locations that comply with local data sovereignty laws.

3. Proprietary information: AI models are often proprietary assets and private cloud and secure connectivity can help mitigate risks from malicious actors. Our robust network infrastructure and security protocols ensure that valuable intellectual property remains protected.

Collaboration for success

The future of scaled AI workflows opens an ecosystem of collaborations and solutions. Partnering with experts who have deep experience in running large data centers and previous high-performance compute (HPC) expertise can be invaluable in configuring the right AI infrastructure. Digital Realty actively cultivates relationships with leading technology providers, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

At Digital Realty, we're committed to helping enterprises lay a strong foundation for their AI capabilities. Our PlatformDIGITAL® offers a global data center platform that provides the flexibility, scalability, and connectivity needed to support AI initiatives. This comprehensive solution enables businesses to deploy AI workloads efficiently, with the assurance of sustainability and performance.

Looking ahead

As we move towards 2025, Digital Realty stands ready to support businesses in their journey towards sustainable, AI-ready infrastructure. By combining our commitment to sustainability with cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, we're helping shape a greener, more efficient future for data centers and the digital economy at large.

The path to truly sustainable AI infrastructure is complex, but with Digital Realty as your partner, it becomes a journey of innovation and responsible growth. We invite businesses to explore how our sustainable data center solutions can power their AI ambitions while minimizing environmental impact. Together, we can build a future where technological advancement and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

The Sustainable Data Center: The Path to Business and Environmental Resilience