Why Ecolab CEO Links Water and AI for Data Centre Efficiency

Christophe Beck, CEO at Ecolab, used his time at Climate Week NYC to stress the link between water management, technology and business performance. 

Ecolab provides solutions for water, hygiene and infection prevention worldwide, and Christophe makes water stewardship central to both its operations and its work with customers.

“As I wrap up my time at Climate Week NYC, one message is clear: Performance is everything,” Christophe says. “AI will unleash growth like we’ve never seen before – but only if we build systems that reuse water and energy at scale, as nature has for millions of years.”

Water positivity as a core strategy

Ecolab’s sustainability approach is anchored in water stewardship. In its 2024 impact report, the company notes it has helped customers save 226 billion gallons of water while managing one trillion gallons for clients globally. The target for 2025 is to save 234 billion gallons, with 74% of the target already reached.

The company applies its own tools across operations, cutting water impact intensity by 29%. The aim is to achieve a 40% reduction by 2030.

To help customers reach water-saving goals, Ecolab follows a four-step process:

• The Smart Water Navigator offers free support to identify and quantify water-related risks in operations
• Water Track IQ identifies and targets specific water-saving opportunities
• 3D TRASAR Technology helps customers take measurable actions
• ECOLAB3D tracks operational performance to optimise outcomes

Christophe explains: “Water is our most vital resource. We can’t create more of it – we must protect what we have. The good news? Just 150 companies can influence one-third of the world’s supply. That’s real power and real opportunity. And I believe we’re ready to meet it.”

Cutting emissions through water management

Ecolab highlights the connection between water use, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moving, cooling, heating and treating water requires energy, so reductions in water demand directly support climate action.

The company’s climate management system tailors water solutions across industries. These include:

• Designing water programmes for manufacturing plants
• Providing cooling solutions for data centres
• Measuring water impact in the primary metals sector
• Scaling water-saving initiatives for the chemical industry

In its Climate Impact Report 2024, Ecolab records a 33% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with 71% of electricity sourced from renewables and 3.6 million metric tonnes of emissions avoided. By 2030, the goal is to help customers avoid 6 million metric tonnes of emissions each year through smarter water use.

The company also applies its expertise to the food supply chain, partnering with Nalco Water to help a Brazilian sugar and ethanol company cut sulphuric acid use by 22% annually. Together they also deliver water waste treatments covering processes from primary clarification to discharge.

Christophe says: “A positive future depends on collaboration. As I shared in New York, we must continue to make connections, commit to action and own our spot as leaders shaping the future of growth and water.”

Supporting data centre cooling with AI

Ecolab adapts its solutions for data centres, where managing cooling demand is essential for reliable performance and energy efficiency. The company’s initiatives use AI to optimise cooling loops, track cooling system performance and manage overall energy load. 

By reducing cooling power and feeding recovered energy back into compute, Ecolab’s approach allows facilities to cut both power and water consumption without losing uptime.

Alongside AI tools, Ecolab promotes a circular approach where water and energy are reduced, reused and reclaimed. This supports efficient operation while ensuring reliability.

Nevin Sant, Global Vice President of Research & Development at Ecolab, says: “Cooling efficiency is the biggest factor we are focused on right now. Managing thermal demand is critical to control total power and water consumption. 

“We’re rolling out an innovation strategy including coolant, digital and monitoring processes along with our onsite services to help companies address cooling efficiency and better position themselves to manage energy demands.”

Through this combination of digital tools, on-site expertise and a water-positive mindset, Ecolab positions itself as a key partner for data centres aiming to balance growth, sustainability and system resilience.