Net-Zero Data Centres: Why Attend Sustainability LIVE

Data centre leaders will be aware of strategies they can use to make their compute sustainable – but what if the direction could be headed towards a net-zero future?

The demand for data centres across the world is growing, and there is a growing trend for autonomous AI data centres. The UK has its own Sovereign AI Unit and a bill has been proposed in the US for AI data centre firms to build their own energy infrastructure. 

In terms of data centres' electricity consumption, The International Energy Agency (IEA) says they are are responsible for about 1.5%, or 415 Terawatt-Hours (TWh). Research by AECOM also reveals that London's data centres alone are releasing enough waste heat to warm up to half a million homes each year.

As a result of masses of energy waste, companies in the sector are working towards energy efficiency targets to reduce final consumption. EU countries are working to double their improvement rate from about 2% to 4% by 2030.

These statistics reflect the burgeoning environmental conversation in the digital infrastructure sector – and at Sustainability LIVE, you could hear all about how the data centre industry can achieve net-zero emissions.

Data centre panellists at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit

On day two of the event, The Industrial Decarbonisation Forum will see four panel discussions on net zero strategies for construction and manufacturing: this includes a panel on Net Zero Data Centre Strategies.

Cara Mascini, Chief Sustainability Officer at Switch Data Centers, will be one of four panellists discussing what it takes to build AI-ready, high-density data centres, stay within energy and grid constraints and still move credibly towards net zero. 

In a post on LinkedIn, she said:

"As Chief Sustainability Officer at Switch Datacenters, I see every day how quickly demand for compute is growing – and how critical it is that we design, build and operate data centres that are ultra‑efficient, with low GWP impact, powered by renewables and embedded in their local communities.

"These forums are a great opportunity to move beyond headlines and share practical approaches: from heat reuse and water-less cooling to better ESG data, procurement and collaboration with cities and grid operators."

Another panellist is Anna Dowson, Senior Director of Sustainability at GreenScale Data Centres.

As Senior Director of Sustainability at Greenscale, Anna focuses on aligning the company’s vision and growth with ambitious environmental commitments and positive social impact.

She also ensures that GreenScale's sustainability strategies align with the carbon reduction and broader ESG goals of their global clients.

At Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, Anna will speak about these strategies, along with topics including energy efficiency, next generation cooling, heat reuse, water consumption, E-waste, and the future of carbon free energy.

Louise Alter, Sustainability Director at nLighten, is another of the four panellists speaking about net-zero for data centres at the event.

Her job as Sustainability Director at nLighten involves working across 34 infrastructure sites, precuring reliable energy supply, and defining ways to reuse heat resource from data centre utility.

She also has a combined 5 years of experience as the Head of Energy Innovation at Equans UK & Ireland, and as an Innovation Analyst for ENGIE UK & Ireland – making her a suitable sustainability advisor for those wanting to take on the net-zero goal.

Mateusz Zajac is Head of Sustainability at ABB Electrification Service and is the fourth speaker on the panel.

In a post on LinkedIn, he outlined the topics he will be discussing, also referencing another panel he will be a part of at the event.

"First, I’ll join the discussion on The Future of Sustainable Smart Cities and explore how digital electrification and predictive asset management can help cities stay reliable as they grow.

"Later, I’ll join the Net Zero Data Centre Strategies panel where we’ll talk about how the industry can scale AI responsibly while reducing emissions and modernizing critical infrastructure.

"Both conversations link directly to the work we do every day at ABB Electrification Service. We help cities and data centres strengthen resilience, modernise aging assets and navigate the shift toward cleaner, smarter power. I’m excited to contribute to the dialogue and learn from leaders across the sector."

Why attend both days of Sustainability Live: The Net Zero Summit 

As the panel discussing net-zero data centres is on day two of the event, leaders may wonder why they should attend the first day.

Strategies from several other panels will offer insightful and useful takeaways for leaders in data centre development – including The Water Positivity Summit, Supply Chain Intelligence in Action and The Energy Transition Forum.

The event also offers networking opportunities for leaders in sustainability, as thousands of industry leaders are expected to attend. The opportunity to build relationships with potential partners, advisers and peers is invaluable.

Join Sustainability Live: The Net Zero Summit here.