Data Centre Magazine February 2024 | Page 95

sourcing more renewable energy to optimising process and resource use across the value chain – all aimed at minimising our environmental impact globally .”
As the digital world continues to grow , data centres will continue to play an increasingly important role , however , it is crucial to find ways in which to operate these facilities more sustainably . By continuing to invest in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources , the data centre industry can help to reduce its environmental impact and ensure a more sustainable future for the digital age .
With AI and Gen AI , use cases will become more prevalent across businesses over the next 12-18 months . There will be a huge surge in demand for energy by cloud data centres as well as edge data centres , and providers who can demonstrate a clean and green way of delivering that energy will emerge as the winners .
“ For the industry to move forward and further its sustainable practices , we must overcome the misconception that for a data centre to be more sustainable , we need to build a new one ,” explains Holyoake . “ Instead , it is important to reevaluate existing infrastructure and implement comprehensive approaches to enhance operational efficiency . Otherwise , we are simply moving an existing issue into a new building . Looking forward , collective industry action , collaboration , and knowledge sharing is required to accelerate progress towards sustainability . Education will continue to play a critical role in promoting responsible data practices , and the industry should continue to share success stories , fostering a sustainable future for generations to come .” datacentremagazine . com 95