Data centre sustainability
Keeping cool
One of the biggest challenges in running a data centre is managing heat. Every server, processor, and piece of hardware generates warmth, and as data centres scale up for AI and cloud computing, that heat multiplies.
In a typical data centre, more than 95 percent of the energy used goes simply into keeping things cool. Traditional cooling systems often consume large amounts of water and can release heated water back into the atmosphere, wasting resources and straining ecosystems.
In Scotland, water may be relatively abundant, but it is still vital not to waste it. New data centres will use closed-loop cooling systems, which recycle water through dedicated circuits to drastically reduce consumption. Scottish Water will be consulted as part of every project to ensure no site places extra pressure on local supplies.
Using waste heat to power communities
The heat generated by data centres does not need to go to waste. Increasingly, projects are exploring ways to repurpose this heat as low-cost, low-carbon energy for surrounding communities.
Instead of allowing surplus heat to dissipate, it can be fed into district heating networks, insulated pipes that deliver hot water to homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. This centralised approach is far more efficient than every building relying on its own boiler.
Some countries are already leading the way. For example, Microsoft’s new data centre cluster near Helsinki will soon supply heating to 40% of Espoo, Finland’s second-largest city.
Similar opportunities may exist in Scotland. Many proposed sites are well placed to anchor low-carbon heating grids for new housing, public facilities, and businesses. Any such project would require close collaboration with local authorities and building users.
Battery storage for resilience
To make the most of renewable power, some data centre sites may also include large battery energy storage systems (BESS). These batteries store green electricity when generation is high and release it when demand rises or renewable output dips.
Integrating BESS with data centres will help stabilise the local grid and ensure uninterrupted, low-carbon computing.
Sustainable building design
Modern data centres are designed from the outset to minimise their environmental footprint.
Every building will be assessed against BREEAM standards (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a leading benchmark for sustainability. This covers everything from energy and water efficiency to materials, biodiversity, and waste management.
Construction and design partners are expected to follow the latest sustainable practices, ensuring new facilities are efficient, resilient, and future-proof.
Enhancing biodiversity
The land around data centres can also play a positive role. Each site will undergo detailed ecological surveys, with plans shaped in consultation with local experts and communities. These may include restoring native habitats, planting wildflower meadows, and creating green corridors for pollinators and wildlife.
Modern data centres are not tall, usually around the height of a two-storey house, and landscaping will be included to reduce visual impact. Options such as green roofs and living walls are being explored, which can improve air quality, enhance appearance, and provide further habitats for wildlife.
The goal is for every data centre campus to contribute positively to the natural environment, supporting biodiversity while also creating accessible, attractive green spaces for local people.
Data centres are vital for Scotland’s digital future, but they must also work in harmony with local communities and the environment. By reusing heat, drawing on renewable power, integrating battery storage, and enhancing biodiversity, future projects can deliver more than just digital infrastructure. They can create lasting local benefits, supporting Scotland’s journey to Net Zero while providing spaces that people and nature can share.
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