Study suggests how to make sustainable data centers in climate-vulnerable regions

Durham University has contributed to new international research that critically assesses the intricate relationship between urban digitization and sustainability, focusing on the significant environmental impact of data centers.

Dr. Karen Lai from the Geography department has co-authored a study on how to make data centers more sustainable, particularly in land- and water-scarce regions facing climate risks.

The ever-growing digitization of our economies, such as social media, government services and AI innovations, require powerful computers housed in large buildings called data centers.

These centers run around the clock and use large amounts of electricity and water to keep their equipment cool and functioning. The demand for data centers is projected to grow exponentially, further stressing energy, land, and water resources.

Published in the journal npj Urban Sustainability, the study warns that, without urgent action, data centers could significantly increase global carbon emissions and worsen the effects of climate change.

Global data center sustainability

The study focused on Singapore, a country known for its high-tech economy and limited natural resources.

To address the growing environmental impact of data centers, Singapore introduced strict rules in 2019 to stop the construction of new centers.

These rules were later adjusted in 2022 to allow development only if new environmental standards were met. These standards include better energy efficiency, higher use of renewable energy, and smart designs suited to hot and humid weather.

Singapore’s innovative approach offers valuable insights for other countries facing similar challenges in managing sustainable data center growth.

The study provides recommendations for stakeholders to align the transition of the data center sector with broader climate resilience, smart city development, and sustainable finance goals.

Dr. Karen Lai was one of the lead researchers in the study.

Working with colleagues from universities in Singapore and the UK, Dr. Lai’s research identified how technological innovation, policy, finance, and skilled workers are vital factors in building more sustainable digital infrastructure.

The team employed a mixed-method design involving desk-based research of government and industry documents, semi-structured interviews with 59 stakeholders, and two workshops with 150 industry and policy participants to reduce the environmental impacts of data centers and foster a truly sustainable digital future.