Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Data Centers: from efficient design to intelligent adaptation

Data Centers are the critical infrastructure of the digital world. However, their growth poses increasingly relevant environmental challenges: high energy demand, reliance on cooling systems, and vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Therefore, sustainability in Data Centers is no longer just a matter of efficiency, but also of resilience and climate adaptation.

1️⃣ Energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction

New European requirements — such as the Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on Energy Efficiency and the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364 — mandate that Data Center operators must annually publish and report their energy performance indicators (PUE, REF, CUE, etc.). The goal is to achieve highly efficient and transparent facilities, integrated into the EU's decarbonization objectives.

Among the recommended measures:

Optimization of PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) through modular designs, N+1 systems, and intelligent monitoring.
Integration of renewable energies and hybrid microgrids to reduce dependence on the conventional electrical grid.
Recovery of residual heat from IT or HVAC systems for internal use or district heating.
CFD thermal simulation to identify hot spots and improve the distribution of air and refrigerant flows.

These strategies can reduce energy consumption by up to 40% and improve the energy reuse factor (ERF), as established by the standard UNE-EN 50600-4-6.

2️⃣ Sustainable water management

Water consumption is another critical factor in Data Center operations. Systems based on evaporative towers or adiabatic free cooling can reach annual consumption levels of thousands of m³. Emerging trends favor closed and low-water use systems, making consumption equivalent to that of a family home.

Key measures:

Cooling circuits without evaporative towers (air or liquid cooling with closed-loop).
WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness) below 0.1 L/kWh, achieved through continuous control and monitoring of consumption.
Reuse of rainwater for non-potable uses and irrigation of green roofs or xerophilic landscaped areas.
Native low-water requirement species, avoiding permanent irrigation systems.

3️⃣ Climate change adaptation and risk management

The European Taxonomy (Regulation (EU) 2020/852, Appendix A) requires all economic activities to conduct a physical climate risk assessment and incorporate adaptation measures. In the case of Data Centers, the most relevant risk identified in Spain is that of prolonged heatwaves, which can directly impact cooling systems and service continuity.

Recommended adaptation solutions:

HVAC systems with N+1 or 2N redundancy, with automatic BMS control and IoT sensors for early anomaly detection.
Improved thermal insulation of facades and roofs to reduce energy demand.
Night-time free-cooling systems and adaptive liquid cooling.
Green roofs and facades that reduce surface temperatures by 3-5°C and improve the microclimate.
Ventilation corridors and SUDS to temper the external temperature and reduce the thermal load on the perimeter.

These solutions help reduce vulnerability to extreme events and enhance the operational resilience of the infrastructure.

4️⃣ Nature-based Solutions (NBS)

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are a complementary approach to improving the environmental sustainability of Data Centers, especially when located near natural areas. Applicable examples include:

Extensive green roofs with lightweight substrates (8–15 cm) and resilient native vegetation.
Modular green facades that enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy demand.
SUDS systems (bio-retentions, green swales, retention basins) to manage rain peaks and promote natural evaporation.
Ventilated landscape design that facilitates the circulation of fresh air and reduces perimeter temperatures.

These strategies generate co-benefits: reduction of heat island effect, stormwater control, biodiversity enhancement, and landscape integration.

5️⃣ Environmental governance and monitoring

Sustainability is not just a technical issue but also a matter of management and transparency. Advanced Data Centers integrate environmental governance systems according to standards UNE-CLC/TS 50600-5-1 and ISO 14091:2021 to assess climate and sustainability risks. Recommended management measures include:

Continuous monitoring of consumption (energy, water, refrigerants).
Periodic assessment of climate and environmental risks.
Incorporation of parametric insurances to cover extreme risks.
Annual reporting of ESG indicators and resilience KPIs.

This comprehensive approach allows for the accreditation of compliance with the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle and enhances environmental credibility with investors, clients, and authorities.

🔍 Conclusions

Data Centers must reduce their carbon footprint and become adaptive infrastructures, capable of anticipating risks, reducing impacts, and generating environmental value. Integrating criteria from BREEAM, LEED, or the European Taxonomy from the design phase is essential to ensure their long-term viability and alignment with the EU's climate neutrality and sustainable development goals.

Blog