The Building Blocks of a Sustainable Datacenter

This IDC Market Perspective defines the IDC framework for sustainable datacenters based on five pillars: goals, commitment, and transparency; design and construction; natural resources sourcing; natural resources efficiency; and circularity. To provide a context over the life cycle of a datacenter, the building blocks are considered in the context of a plan-build-operate model. These principles guide the development and management of datacenters, ensuring cost-effective growth and resilience. Embracing sustainable practices, such as renewable energy sourcing, efficient cooling systems, and circular economy principles, is crucial for long-term environmental and regulatory resilience, supporting the growing demand for digital infrastructure. They also enhance resilience in water-scarce regions and lower construction and maintenance costs through eco-friendly materials. "Sustainable datacenters not only enhance the public image but also cut costs, secure power access, and mitigate regulatory risks. Investment in sustainable infrastructure is an investment for resilient digital and AI growth." - said Sean Graham, research director, Cloud to Edge Datacenter Trends at IDC