Insights on Data Centre Sustainability from the Infrastructure Global Summit

Recently, we shared NIBC's perspective on the sustainability of data centres during a panel at the Infrastructure Global Summit. Here are our key takeaways:

Location Matters

The availability of green power, water, and ability to re-use waste heat is crucial but is becoming more complex. Densely populated areas like the FLAPD markets face challenges due to competing needs for these resources. Developers are now moving to other locations in Europe like Berlin, Zurich, Milan, Madrid, and Barcelona for easier access to land and power.

Efficiency & Growth

The data centre industry is constantly improving its efficiency through initiatives like The Climate Neutral DC Pact, focusing on carbon-free energy and more efficient operations, reduced water consumption, and circularity. However, the industry's rapid threatens to outpace these efficiency gains, with AI potentially exacerbating this challenge.

Financing & Regulation

Banks and financial institutions have incentives such as green loans, sustainability-linked loans, and the Infrastructure Support Factor (Do No Significant Harm Principles) that benefit borrowers / lenders supporting sustainable data center projects.

How does NIBC address these sustainability challenges?

At NIBC, ESG is integral to our due diligence process. We assess, for example, power efficiency, waste heat re-use, flood risks, and heat stress for every new data centre project we finance.

Last year, we conducted a baseline measurement for our data centre portfolio by collecting relevant data with our clients. Our next step is to develop a climate transition plan to enhance the efficiency of our portfolio and help our clients achieve more efficient digital infrastructure as well.