One of the key pillars of sustainable data center construction is the adoption of renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are increasingly viable options for providing clean and reliable energy to data centers.
The number of online devices is expected to reach 29 billion by 2030, driving significant growth in the global data center market, which could grow from $187 billion in 2020 to $517 billion by 2030. This expansion creates both challenges and opportunities to make data centers more sustainable. In 2020, data centers consumed 400 terawatt hours of energy and 1.7 billion liters of water daily in the U.S. A medium-sized data center uses more water than two 18-hole golf courses. To enhance sustainability without compromising performance, data centers require expertise in sustainable energy, performance needs, construction techniques, and water treatment.
Sean Mulligan, PCL’s director of data centers, emphasizes that making data centers more efficient and sustainable requires integrating greener practices without affecting their performance. Achieving this balance demands expertise in areas such as sustainable power generation, data center construction, regulatory compliance, and water treatment.
PCL is expanding its expertise in sustainable data centers by exploring battery technology and other storage solutions to ensure continuous power during low-sun periods. They are also focusing on conserving water used for cooling servers, leveraging their experience in water treatment to develop advanced filtration systems aimed at achieving net-zero water usage. PCL’s diverse knowledge across sectors allows them to create innovative solutions in the mission-critical industry. Patrick Malone highlights that their combination of solar, water, and data center expertise is rare and helps create win-win solutions for clients and the environment.
