What Role Do NBSs Have In Sustainable Data Centre Strategy?
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are emerging as a critical part of corporate sustainability, designed to “protect, sustainably manage or restore nature ecosystems that address societal challenges such as climate change, human health, food and water security and disaster risk reduction effectively,” explains The World Bank Group.
Alongside other decarbonisation strategies, NBSs are expected to play a key role in helping organisations reach net zero by 2050.
For data centre operators, where energy intensity and environmental impact are under constant scrutiny, these solutions offer both ecological and commercial value.
How NBSs protect ecosystems and infrastructure
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the measurable impact of these interventions, noting that mangroves prevent US$57bn of flooding damage annually in China, India, Mexico, the US and Vietnam.
Practical benefits include flood resilience, erosion resistance and carbon sequestration, all of which can help protect infrastructure that supports digital services.
Engineering consultancy Arcadis is applying NBSs across major projects such as London’s Lower Thames Crossing, where it is evaluating habitat creation options for carbon offsetting.
The company is also supporting energy utilities in building business cases for woodland creation, seagrass planting and peatland restoration.
Beyond large-scale projects, Arcadis is working with planners and developers to prevent nitrates and phosphates from entering watercourses by deploying nature-led interventions.
Mark McKenna, Global Sustainability Director at Arcadis, will be among those discussing the role of NBSs at Sustainability LIVE London this month.
Virtus Data Centres: renewable power since 2012
For data centre operators, the challenge is balancing efficiency with sustainability. Virtus Data Centres has sourced 100% renewable energy since 2012, drawing on wind, hydro and solar to power its expanding portfolio.
In 2024 alone, this approach prevented more than 210 million kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.
The company is carbon neutral on power consumption across all its sites and is targeting net zero emissions on all reportable activities by 2030.
This ambition is supported by investment in innovative cooling systems and heat capture initiatives, ensuring environmental responsibility is built into design, construction and daily operations.
Gaelle Mogabure, Head of ESG at Virtus Data Centres, will share insights on integrating sustainability into digital infrastructure at the upcoming London panel.
Innovation in sustainable materials
NBSs are not limited to energy procurement or biodiversity projects. Chestnut Biopolymers is developing sustainable materials inspired by the chestnut tree, which naturally captures carbon.
Its plant-based biopolymer formulations are designed to replace fossil fuel plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene, offering strength and durability while breaking down safely without leaving microplastics behind.
Mike Hale, CEO of Chestnut Biopolymers, explains that the company’s approach allows manufacturers to adopt cleaner alternatives without disrupting existing production processes.
By using renewable, carbon-sequestering feedstocks, Chestnut supports both industrial innovation and environmental restoration.
The role of responsible business
Other industries are adopting similar approaches. Chivas Brothers, for example, has partnered with River Trusts on waterway projects that restore floodplains, stabilise riverbanks and reduce temperature rises in waterways.
Such initiatives improve biodiversity and water stewardship while also protecting production.
Arcadis, Chestnut Biopolymers, Virtus and Chivas Brothers will be on stage at Sustainability LIVE London.
The discussion will focus on mobilising investment and scaling NBSs to meet global sustainability challenges.
NBSs and the data centre sector
For the data centre industry, NBSs represent an opportunity to advance sustainability strategies beyond traditional efficiency measures.
By aligning with renewable energy, investing in biodiversity protection and integrating responsible practices into infrastructure design, operators can reduce their environmental footprint while responding to customer demand for greener digital services.
As the conversation around AI and digital infrastructure accelerates, NBSs are becoming an essential component of resilience planning.
With companies like Virtus demonstrating how renewable energy and ecosystem-based strategies can coexist, the sector is showing how technology and nature can advance together in the transition to net zero.
The NBS panel discussion
There will be a NBS panel discussion at Sustainability LIVE London, 9-10 September 2025, bringing together diverse leaders who are driving sustainability and innovation.
Gaelle Mogabure, Head of ESG at VIRTUS Data Centres, will share insights on embedding responsible practices into digital infrastructure.
Mark McKenna, Global Sustainability Director at Arcadis, brings expertise in building resilient, sustainable infrastructure.
Mike Hale, CEO of Chestnut BioPolymers, will represent cutting-edge bio-based materials innovation.
Shivin Kohli, Lead of Financing for Nature at the World Economic Forum, will provide a global perspective on mobilising capital for climate and biodiversity solutions.
Sandrine Ricard, Director of Sustainability & Responsibility Communications at Chivas Brothers, will highlight the role of responsible business in the drinks sector.
Attend this panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025.
Secure your tickets now here: https://sustainabilitymag.com/events/sustainability-live/sustainability-live-london-2025/in-person-ticket
