19/09/24

Energy consumption escalation is being recognized as one of the most significant challenges of the digital age. The growing need for data processing, driven by the intensive use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cryptocurrencies, has put considerable pressure on the global energy infrastructure. Amid this scenario, adopting sustainable practices, such as constructing green Data Centers, becomes essential for mitigating environmental impact.

Some countries worldwide are already facing challenges in maintaining energy availability, resulting in difficulties in upholding operational efficiency and expanding Data Centers in these regions. This is due to the significant rise in electricity consumption, which is growing substantially to support massive data processing activities.

Given this context, it has become a priority for the industry to seek viable and sustainable energy alternatives—including those produced in other countries.

In this scenario, Brazil has emerged as an attractive option for establishing sustainable Data Centers, benefiting from favorable natural conditions for renewable energy generation. Today, the country offers a broad supply derived from its clean energy matrix, with a strong presence of wind and solar power. Learn more below:

Global scenario: the energy issue and the role of green Data Centers

The increase in energy consumption on a global scale has led major corporations, especially those in the technology sector, to seek more sustainable options for their data infrastructures. With the advanced usage of new digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptocurrencies, the pressure on the energy grid has become even greater.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is expected to increase at an annual rate of 3.4% through 2026. In the case of Data Centers, a significant rise in demand is anticipated: in 2022, these structures used 460 terawatt-hours (TWh), and this consumption is expected to exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026.

In light of this scenario, companies are seriously considering migrating their operations to environmentally friendly facilities located in countries that have an abundance of renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy.

Green Data Centers consumed 460 terawatt-hours not only meet the growing demand for energy and water in an environmentally responsible manner but also assist organizations in achieving their carbon emission reduction targets and fulfilling their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Brazil: energy capacity as an attractor for sustainable Data Centers

According to a survey released by the Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), in March 2024, the country reached a centralized capacity of 200 gigawatts (GW), with 84.25% of its energy matrix coming from renewable sources, compared to 15.75% from non-renewable sources (1% nuclear).

Currently, the three largest clean energy sources in Brazil’s electrical energy matrix are hydropower (55%), wind (14.8%), and biomass (8.4%). Among the non-renewable options, the largest sources are natural gas (9%), oil (4%), and coal (1.75%).

With its abundant energy capacity and natural resource availability, Brazil stands out as a strategic location for attracting international investments aimed at the creation of sustainable Data Centers. Organizations seeking to operate efficiently and with a lower environmental impact find in Brazil an encouraging ecosystem for expanding their operations in a competitive and environmentally friendly manner.

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From an energy standpoint, Brazil is very attractive to the world for navigating the artificial intelligence revolution sustainably.”

Fernando Jaeger,
Director of Sales, Finance, and Business Development
ODATA

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The importance of green Data Centers for energy efficiency

Predominantly, green Data Centers are designed to reduce the consumption of natural resources, such as energy and water, and consequently, their environmental impact, playing an essential role in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Thus, they are at the forefront of the development and adoption of renewable generation while maintaining an ecologically sound infrastructure to support energy source integration and the electrification of electronic devices.

This combination of challenges and opportunities makes sustainable Data Centers an indispensable part of the contemporary economy’s infrastructure, promoting efficient and environmentally viable energy practices.

With the growing demand for digital information processing, the energy requirements of Data Centers have increased considerably, placing significant pressure on the global energy infrastructure. In response, sustainable infrastructures are adopting innovative strategies to reduce consumption and mitigate their environmental impact.

These strategies include the increasing use of renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, along with the application of advanced cooling technologies like free cooling and liquid cooling.

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READ ALSO: Data Center energy efficiency: 5 steps to maximize sustainability and reduce costs

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Advantages of green Data Centers

Green Data Centers offer a wide range of benefits. First and foremost, they help reduce operational costs through energy efficiency and the usage of renewable energy sources. Additionally, these structures contribute to lowering the carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Beyond environmental and economic benefits, sustainable Data Centers are crucial for driving economic growth. They provide the digital infrastructure necessary for the modern economy, which increasingly relies on advanced technologies to operate efficiently and sustainably.

Implementing green practices not only enhances a company’s reputation but also meets regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for more eco-friendly and responsible operations.

By moving their data operations to green Data Centers managed by specialized providers, organizations can ensure more effective and environmentally friendly operations, along with gaining significant competitive advantages.

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REED ALSO: Revolutionizing data infrastructure: understand the role of energy self-production

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Certifications: how to ascertain if a Data Center is sustainable

To certify that their data structures are indeed established as green Data Centers, companies must consider a series of requirements when building or renovating facilities. Additionally, it is recommended to seek globally recognized certifications to validate their sustainable practices and convey reliability to users.

Some of the key globally recognized certifications include:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): offered by the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification evaluates the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings, including Data Centers. LEED certifies practices such as energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, and water management;

• Tier Certification of Operational Sustainability (Uptime Institute’s TCOS): analyzes the operational sustainability of Data Centers, taking into account aspects such as energy efficiency and environmental management;

• ISO 14001: this international standard sets criteria to constitute an environmental management system, providing a framework that an organization can follow to create this system effectively. It helps reduce environmental impacts and continuously improve sustainable practices;

• ISO 50001: establishes the requirements for implementing, maintaining, and improving an energy management system, enabling organizations to use energy more effectively;

• Energy Star: a program by the U.S. government that certifies products and practices that promote energy savings. Data Centers that receive the Energy Star certification showcase a commitment to energy efficiency;

• Green Globes: a certification system for environmentally friendly buildings that assesses the environmental impact of new constructions and major renovations. It is flexible and recognizes a broad range of sustainable practices.

Certifications like these formally validate the sustainable practices implemented by Data Centers, ensuring they meet the highest standards in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

By pursuing such endorsements, organizations reaffirm their commitment to sustainability and can assure clients that they are acting in an environmentally friendly manner.

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REED ALSO: Understand why Data Centers need renewable energy

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Sustainable practices in eco-friendly Data Centers

Providers specializing in Data Center services that invest in the development of eco-friendly campuses employ a variety of technologies to achieve their sustainability goals.

An example is ODATA, which invested in a wind farm to become energy self-sufficient, powering its Brazilian facilities with clean energy. In 2022, the organization signed an agreement with Serena (formerly known as Omega Energia) to participate in the Assuruá IV wind farm, becoming the first hyperscale Data Center service provider in Latin America to generate its on-site energy for all its campus operations in the country.

“Being in Brazil, we already have a renewable energy matrix. We invested in a wind generation park and became self-producers,” explained ODATA’s Director of Sales, Finance, and Business Development, Fernando Jaeger, emphasizing that the company has four Data Centers in operation in the country and another four under construction—all with a closed-loop water circuit.

Innovative cooling systems

Cooling is one of the primary concerns for ensuring the effective operation of Data Centers. Methods such as closed-loop water circuits, free cooling—which uses external air for cooling—and liquid cooling, which directs the coolant directly to the servers, combined with other advanced techniques like rainwater harvesting and micro solar power plants, are widely adopted in Brazil to reduce both water and energy consumption.

In the case of ODATA Data Centers, a key differentiator is the implementation of the Free Cooling system, which leverages outdoor conditions to reduce electrical consumption by shutting off chiller compressors and cooling with ambient air. This way, the company minimizes waste and energy consumption on cooler days, contributing to a reduction in PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).

Sustainable design and architecture

Among other principles, green Data Centers are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste. The use of closed systems for water circulation is a common practice in this context, thereby reducing the consumption of natural resources.

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REED ALSO: Challenges of sustainability and artificial intelligence: why Data Centers need new ESG policies

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Obstacles to implementing green Data Centers

Implementing sustainable Data Centers can be challenging, primarily due to high initial investments and the complexity of regulations. However, the long-term benefits, such as cost reduction and compliance with regulatory standards, outweigh these difficulties. The key obstacles include:

• Initial costs and return on investment (ROI): building green Data Centers involves significant expenses. However, the ROI is positive in the long term, thanks to savings in operational costs and tax benefits related to sustainable practices. Additionally, the growing demand for services in this type of infrastructure drives the market, making the investment more attractive;

• Regulatory Complexity: regulations and licensing can present significant hurdles for implementing sustainable Data Centers. Nevertheless, government policies are becoming more supportive of sustainability, offering tax incentives and support programs. Collaboration between the private sector and regulatory agencies is crucial to overcoming these challenges.

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REED ALSO: Data Center cooling: how to promote efficiency and ensure sustainability

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The future of green Data Centers

The outlook for sustainable Data Centers is promising, with predictions of a continuous increase in the embracement of environmentally friendly practices. This trend is driven by the exponential growth in demand for efficient and sustainable digital infrastructure, motivated by the advancement of the digital economy and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

Technology companies and Data Center service providers are leading this transformation, implementing measures that not only meet current needs but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future. In fact, a commitment to sustainability is becoming a competitive differentiator, attracting clients and investors who value responsible business practices.

Technological innovations

The application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence in energy management enables the optimization of energy consumption by identifying patterns and adjusting resource usage in real time. Similarly, the appliance of sustainable components in construction, such as recycled materials with low environmental impact, is gaining prominence.

Furthermore, advanced cooling systems, employing techniques like free cooling and liquid cooling, are being adopted to increase energy efficiency. These innovations not only reduce energy consumption and environmental impact but also contribute to lowering operational costs, making green Data Centers economically viable.

Migration to sustainable structures

The migration of legacy Data Centers to eco-friendly structures not only drives economic growth but also promotes sustainability within communities. Investments in sustainable infrastructure create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to environmental preservation.

Today, companies like ODATA are at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating the capacity of green Data Centers to transform the potential use of technology in the daily lives of businesses and individuals. These companies are betting on innovative practices, from the use of renewable energy sources to the adoption of certified environmental management systems.

By fostering a friendly working environment and supporting local economic development, sustainable Data Centers are becoming fundamental pillars for a more balanced and prosperous future.

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LEARN MORE: Understand why Data Center outsourcing can improve your company’s sustainability rates

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