NTT DATA: What Data Centres Can Do To Cut Their AI Emissions

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NTT DATA has identified six solutions to make data centres more sustainable
NTT DATA shares how data centres can existing sustainability challenges and keeping emerging technologies like AI from making the climate crisis worse

The climate crisis is the subject of many global conversations, with many worldwide demanding immediate action.

Within the data centre industry, operators are seeking to stop their emissions from swelling and make good on their sustainability pledges. Real results are critical for IT service providers, particularly given the fast-paced growth of data and the significant appetite for computing power.

AI-led data centres in particular are guzzling high levels of power. Data centre electricity usage is expected to double by 2026, with AI set to generate a 160% increase in demand for data centre power.

Key facts (Source; NTT DATA)
  • Nearly two-thirds of organisations globally plan to invest significantly in Gen AI in the next two years
  • More than 90% are assessing enterprise-wide opportunities to use Gen AI

NTT DATA suggests that operators have a dual responsibility to address existing sustainability challenges, whilst also preventing technologies like AI from exacerbating climate change.

The company has therefore identified six solutions to make data centre businesses as sustainable as possible, which we share with you below.

Cutting down on e-waste

Data centres produce a lot of e-waste

Currently, data centres produce a significant amount of electronic waste (e-waste) via data construction, operation, decommissioning and outdated or broken hardware.

As a result, the industry requires robust waste management to prevent environmental pollution.

Focusing on recycling and disposal cuts e-waste and saves resources. NTT DATA suggests that valuable materials from the data centre can be reused, which reduces the need for raw material extraction. 

Likewise, proper disposal keeps dangerous substances from polluting the environment.

Leading tech giant IBM partnered with Hera in 2024 to process 5.7 million tonnes of waste annually, whilst implementing IoT-based waste management systems across its operations.

Reducing heat 

Reusing waste heat can lower greenhouse gas emissions

The heat generated by IT equipment in data centres has reuse potential, either internally or for external applications like district heating grids. Given the data centre lifecycle of 30–50 years, reusing waste heat can lower greenhouse gas emissions in a neighborhood by getting rid of fossil-fuel use for heating.

Many data centre companies are eager to trial heat reuse strategies, but rely on the support of local authorities. 

Leading data centre company atNorth is already implementing the technology in Iceland to help meet AI and high-performance computing (HPC) needs in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Conversing water use

Data centres can use a lot of water to keep servers cool

Major water consumers in data centres are systems that cool air by evaporating water. Water improves the efficiency of these systems by reducing the electricity needed to run compressors in chillers, thereby also lowering carbon emissions. 

However, water use within a data centre can become overwhelming. NTT DATA explains that evaporative systems should only be installed where water supplies are sufficient and sustainable – and run in hybrid mode where possible to use less water in winter and less electricity in summer.

In considering this, Microsoft implemented its first water-free cooling systems in August 2024.

Using cleaner fuels to reduce emissions

HVO can be a successful renewable solution for data centres

Generators are crucial for providing power to data centres during contingencies like grid outages. NTT DATA says emissions from these backup systems can be reduced by switching from traditional fuels to cleaner fuel sources, like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

Leading data centre company AVK has already introduced HVO fuel as a standby energy source in efforts to become more sustainable. 

Investing in renewable energy

Switching to renewable energy can lead to data centres using power more efficiently

NTT DATA states that switching to renewable energy can lead to data centres using power more efficiently. It highlights renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydro power as being cleaner. 

The company also suggests that securing a power purchase agreement (PPA) can help to add more renewable energy to the market. Likewise, ensuring a lower power usage effectiveness (PUE) to reduce energy use, operational costs and the carbon footprint of cooling infrastructure.

According to Deloitte, PUE has improved from 2.5 in 2007 to 1.6 in 2024, but highlights that improvements are needed to offset increasing AI demands.

Implement cooling solutions

Cooling is a necessary element of data centre operations

Finally, NTT DATA states that direct-to-chip liquid cooling and immersion cooling have been touted as successful sustainability strategies for the data centre sector.

These thermal management technologies are able to dissipate heat from HPC systems, or submerge servers or electronic components in a dielectric fluid that absorbs and transfers heat away.

During this era of digital transformation, data centre operators are looking for solutions like these to prevent their facilities from over-using power sources. 

Leading cooling companies (like the ones listed here) are making it their mission to continuously innovate to help reduce carbon footprint.


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