Chapter 09 · Sustainability & AISustainability & AI
Green data centre
Definition
A data centre designed and operated to minimise energy, water and carbon impacts through efficiency, clean electricity, and reuse of resources such as waste heat.
References
This source provides part of the technical or institutional basis for the definition.
This source supports the explanation of how the term is applied, measured or governed in practice.
This source supports the wider sustainability significance and context described in the entry.
Overview
What it means
The concept bundles proven levers: low PUE through efficient cooling and power distribution, renewable or carbon-free electricity procurement, water-conscious cooling, heat reuse and circular management of equipment. The EU Code of Conduct on Data Centre Energy Efficiency codifies best practice; the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact sets industry targets.
How it is used
Operators pursue green credentials through the EU CoC, the Pact's commitments (PUE 1. 3–1. 4 for new builds, 100% renewable or hourly carbon-free matching by 2030), and certification programmes. Mandatory EU reporting now makes performance public for larger facilities.
Why it matters
Data centres are AI's physical home and its main sustainability interface with grids and communities. 'Green' claims for them are moving from marketing to measurement — and, in the EU, to mandatory disclosure.