The sustainable data centre has emerged as a crucial tool in the hunt for sustainability. According to recent reports, the data centre industry accounts for 1-2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This stems from the growing electricity demand to run bigger, faster and more complex workloads — all while maintaining service quality.

In an effort to lower carbon footprints, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) offers data centre operators many exciting opportunities. Perhaps AI’s most transformative potential lies in optimising energy use in cooling, resource allocation and energy consumption.

But it’s a delicate balancing act. Cloud computing sees a 10-30% increase in energy use each year. As such, data centres must provide more computing power while reducing emissions. Using AI in sustainable data centres could help us get there.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Data Centres

AI could help us redefine energy efficiency at an unprecedented scale. Using cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and automation, AI helps sustainable data centre operators implement energy-saving initiatives.

Learning from data and predicting future outcomes, AI can monitor, analyse, and optimise energy usage in real-time. This allows for more precise identification of energy inefficiencies, reducing wasted power and improving overall operational performance.

One of the best examples of AI's potential comes from Google’s Deepmind AI. Using this advanced AI platform to analyse patterns reduced cooling costs by an impressive 40 per cent — representing substantial energy savings.

With results like this, AI technologies are now essential to powering the sustainable data centre. Current and future technologies promise reduced operational costs, efficient cooling and enhanced sustainability — all of which lower costs for operators and colocation customers alike.

How AI Optimises Data Centre Energy Efficiency

Data centres have become the backbone of modern business operations. With increasing deployments requiring more high-performance computing resources, data centres must ensure that all energy usage is as efficient as possible.

Using AI techniques, data centre service providers can now achieve substantial energy savings without compromising performance. For example:

One of the key ways AI optimises energy consumption in data centres is through intelligent workload management. AI algorithms analyse operational data to identify energy-intensive processes and areas where optimisation is possible.

AI systems can dynamically allocate resources based on current computing demands. This adaptive approach ensures that resources are efficiently distributed, prevents energy waste and minimises downtime.
AI models can analyse cooling systems to make sure all power consumed is used as efficiently as possible.

We’ve already seen real-world case studies of AI-driven optimisation in data centres making a remarkable impact. An example is Microsoft, where AI algorithms are used to improve energy efficiency. Through predictive analytics, algorithms schedule workloads dynamically, letting servers enter low-power states and save electricity during periods of decreased demand.

We’ve also seen Meta employing AI in their data centres. While they’ve used AI to run facilities more efficiently, they have also used it to increase safety. Meta’s AI model uses various metrics — such as heat, emissions and airflow — to simulate when a data centre would present unsafe working conditions. Then, they use further models to avoid those conditions while maximising energy efficiency.

As the demand for data centre output grows, so does the importance of implementing sustainable practices. By using AI to analyse operations, dynamically allocate resources and reduce energy waste, data centres can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Using AI Predictive Analytics for Data Centre Energy Efficiency

AI models learn from historical data. Through analysis of past energy consumption patterns and their correlation with factors like workload, temperature, and time of day, AI systems uncover valuable trends. We can then use these trends to establish predictive models.

Machine learning algorithms play a critical role in the predictive analytics process. These algorithms study vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns that are usually too complex for human operators to spot. The resulting predictive analytics models allow data centres to forecast future energy demands accurately.

The models also improve over time. By continuously learning from new data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, AI systems refine their predictions — improving accuracy further. This adaptive capability proves particularly valuable in the dynamic environment of data centres, where workload demands constantly fluctuate.

Huawei, a global technology leader, employed predictive analytics to enhance the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of their China data centres. By analysing historical data, machine learning algorithms and statistical models, Huawei forecasted energy demands and achieved an eight per cent reduction in energy consumption.

Using AI Algorithms For Cooling Systems and Energy Management

Through AI-driven algorithms, data centres can analyse temperature data, airflow patterns, and cooling equipment efficiency to achieve optimal cooling.

For example, AI algorithms can identify hotspots and areas where air cooling is inefficient. Then, they adjust the cooling system output as needed. This intelligent cooling management reduces energy consumption — leading to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.

Another benefit of using AI in sustainable data centre cooling is predictive maintenance. AI systems monitor equipment to detect signs of inefficiencies or potential failures. By identifying these issues in advance, data centres can be proactive in preventing costly breakdowns and minimising inefficient cooling. Advanced liquid cooling technologies, such as immersive cooling, also use AI algorithms to precisely control the temperature of high-performance hardware.

As digital transformation, new technologies and hyperscale data centres demand greater power supply, AI will help us efficiently provide the additional cooling needed.

Future Trends and Innovations

Emerging trends and innovations in AI offer further improved energy efficiency in sustainable data centres. Advanced AI algorithms, edge computing and renewable energy sources are all key driving forces in the fight for net zero:

Enhanced AI algorithms enable even more impactful dynamic resource allocation to optimise energy management in real-time.
Edge computing reduces energy consumption by processing data closer to the end user.
Renewable energy integration uses AI for optimal allocation. For example, our San Francisco runs entirely on green power — reducing CO2 emissions by 24 million pounds per year.

Of course, ongoing research and development are crucial for continuous improvements. With these advancements, data centres can embrace greener operations, achieve higher energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Using AI to Go Green

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are more important than ever.

Sustainable data centres can significantly enhance energy efficiency through AI optimisation, predictive analytics, and intelligent power usage. AI models can be used in many areas — from resource allocation to spotting energy-intensive processes, enabling dynamic adjustments, and providing adequate cooling.

Future advances will drive even higher levels of energy efficiency – propelling data centres towards a more environmentally friendly service.

Learn more about how Digital Realty’s sustainable data centers contribute to a sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is meant by a sustainable data centre?

A sustainable data centre is a sustainable facility that provides data storage and computing resources. It’s built upon energy conservation and upholding sustainability. This involves factors like:

Efficient power management

Reduction of waste
Sourcing renewable energy
Using optimal cooling techniques
AI-determined resource allocation.

What are the advantages of sustainable data centres?

Sustainable data centres bring many advantages, such as efficient energy use, lower carbon footprint and cost savings. Renewable energy and innovative cooling systems can further reduce energy wastage. Sustainable data centres are vital to meeting consumer and regulatory expectations for sustainable conduct.

How to build a sustainable data centre?

Building a sustainable data centre involves many factors:

Energy-efficient design
Using renewable energy sources

Advanced cooling systems
Intelligent AI algorithms that improve efficiency.

These factors contribute to a data centre that minimises waste and carbon emissions.

Digital Ashburn Data Campus Virtual Tour