The modern digitized world is impossible without data centers because it requires processing and storing huge amounts of information. But despite the high demand, complaints about the operation of data centers (data centers) are increasingly increasing: they consume a lot of electricity, increase the carbon footprint in the atmosphere and the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.

In a period of constant threats and attacks for Ukraine, data security, cyber security and energy efficiency come to the fore. This is not only about survival in today’s conditions, but also about the future of many sectors, especially industrial enterprises, banks, financial companies, telecommunications companies, cloud operators, government agencies that have more than a dozen servers in their data centers. So how come the active operation of data centers that continue to operate under new conditions and serve most businesses does not harm the environment?

Is there a solution to the problem? Yes, the transition to the rails of sustainable development.

We explored this question using the technology, experience and vision of Schneider Electric, which specializes in digital transformation in energy management and automation and offers technologies that will increase efficiency, reduce costs and achieve the company’s sustainability goals.

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Computing centers (data centers, data centers) do not produce material products. But without them, the existence of useful and user-friendly directions such as telemedicine, Internet of Things, banking, online shopping, distance education, communication and, ultimately, entertainment (streaming movies, music, streaming) is impossible. Therefore, it is important to ensure the uninterrupted operation of data centers with the help of technological innovations. On the other hand, as the digital economy develops and the IT sector requires increasing productivity, the issue of optimizing energy consumption comes to the fore.

Zero carbon emissions are a requirement of the EU Protocol

Ukraine, a participant in the Paris Climate Agreement signed into law in 2016, must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% ​​by 2030. This largely applies to the IT sector, because according to statistics data centers alone consume 3% of all energy. For this reason, one of the important development areas of the sector is energy and digital transformation.

Since the EU’s goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050 also includes the high-tech sector, it should accurately measure and minimize the carbon footprint, which is the path to sustainable development, according to Schneider Electric. This requires sector-specific recommendations based on a sector-wide standardized performance report on the climate crisis.

A sustainable approach will help reduce the impact on the environment

Optimizing and making energy consumption efficient allows the IT industry to reduce environmental impact, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and, importantly, reduce operational costs for business owners.

Ways to implement sustainable development program for data centers:

• precision air conditioning – control and regulation of air parameters in technological facilities with precision equipment depending on the heat load;

• ecological solutions for energy saving;

• use of alternative and renewable energy sources, microgrids;

• Signing of PPA – long-term contracts for the purchase and sale of electrical energy generated from RES;

• Monitoring and modernization of infrastructure.

Why is the IT sector still at the beginning of the path to sustainable development?

Data centers consume approximately 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually worldwide, but the IT industry is still at the beginning of its journey towards sustainability.

According to research conducted by Schneider Electric in Europe, the main reason for this situation is the gap in understanding the issue. One in four European companies participating in the analysis admitted: They do not have sufficient knowledge about the implementation of new technologies related to sustainable development and energy conversion!

However, businesses need to understand the environmental threats and opportunities created by their business.

From Schneider Electric’s perspective, the first step is to develop a comprehensive strategy. More specifically, monitoring progress in reporting on sustainable development, appropriately managing indicators and establishing benchmarks should be essential.

The next step is to invest in clean renewable energy, sustainable technologies and set CO2 reduction targets.

The importance of optimizing the energy consumption of data centers

The operation of data centers largely depends on reliable and affordable electricity supply. However, we are currently faced with an unstable situation. Last year, high energy demand, low gas storage volumes and supply chain disruptions caused energy prices to rise to record levels. In 2024, the situation got worse.

Therefore, volatility in the energy market requires a transition to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. European governments and regulators are increasingly pressuring data centers to use more sustainable energy-saving alternatives. This requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology and leads to increased operational costs (OpEx).

However, as the world’s leading industry leaders state, thanks to digitalization, these costs can be reduced and, on the contrary, overall business efficiency can be increased. The Electricity 4.0 program, especially developed by Schneider Electric, aims to diversify the energy portfolio of businesses. In this context, the company offers products, systems and software for a more sustainable, fault-tolerant and secure future.

Schneider Electric tools for the transition to sustainable development

As mentioned above, the first step is to create standardized metrics reporting for the entire industry. Based on its experience of cooperation with data center operators, Schneider Electric has identified and implemented a set of universal indicators divided into 5 main categories:

• energy consumption;

• greenhouse gas emissions;

• Water Consumption;

• waste generation;

• biodiversity.

On this basis, the company has developed tools that allow qualitative analysis and effective management of key indicators and measure progress in the implementation of sustainable development rules.

Schneider Electric created the CO2e Lifecycle Calculator to help data center operators estimate their total carbon footprint (Category 1, 2 and 3 emissions) across the value chain, including indirect emissions. Introduced the DCIM 3.0 system to optimize business and improve data center management.

Given that the infrastructure of IT environments must be fault-tolerant, secure and resilient, Schneider Electric has modernized its software portfolio for monitoring, managing, planning and modeling physical IT infrastructure through flexible deployment options that include on-premises and cloud-based maintenance. Ranging from a few locations to thousands of locations worldwide solutions to distributed environments.

In conclusion, we would like to point out: the implementation of the program for sustainable development of the IT sector not only fulfills the EU’s zero carbon footprint plan, but also protects companies from fluctuations in energy market prices and optimizes their work.

The material is placed accordingly with elementohm 3 of the 9th article of the Law of Ukraine No. 270/96-VR dated 03.07.1996 and the Law of Ukraine No. 2849-IX dated 31.03.2023 and account based NO0000134 from 26.02.2024

Article 3 of Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine No. 270/96-VR of 03.07.1996: Informational, authorial or editorial material drawing attention to, creating or promoting awareness and interest in a specific person or product. Audiences (listeners, Advertisements distributed in return for monetary or other remuneration must be defined as advertising using the word “advertisement” in accordance with the requirements of this Law.