Keysource issues warning to data centres as overconfidence threatens sustainability progress

That’s according to independent research conducted by data centre solution provider, Keysource.

Findings show that 97% agree they have clear oversight of sustainability targets and the feasibility of achieving them. However, only half (53%) reported adequate visibility of these targets and the steps being taken to meet them.

“It’s one thing to feel confident in your sustainability plans, and quite another to put it into action”, states Jon Healy, COO at Keysource. “Our research demonstrates as much, with practical application lagging behind perceived progress. While the industry clearly recognises the importance of an integrated approach toward sustainability, we must urge data centres that the hard work is just beginning to deliver on best-laid strategies. The findings of our report are encouraging, yet the role of the data centres in progressing or restricting worldwide climate goals relies on executing strategies swiftly and effectively”.

A year ago, 38% of operators were reluctant to measure the carbon impact of new tools and services. However, in 2024, we saw a 16% reduction in these numbers, with less than a quarter (22%) expressing the same reluctance to consider carbon within new service investments.

This change can be attributed somewhat to findings that more decision-makers beyond sustainability-focused roles are now involved in green initiatives, goals, and progress, with 91% reporting being actively contributing to the setting and tracking of sustainability targets - an increase from 67% in 2023. Over three-quarters (78%) of these decision-makers also believe they have the necessary data and tools to meet these reporting requirements of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).

Yet another gap emerges. Data centres suffer from a fragmented approach to measuring specific scope emissions, with priorities across the different Scopes split equally. Half (50%) of respondents are prioritising Scope 1 emissions from directly generated assets, such as owned buildings and vehicles. Meanwhile, 42% have directed funds towards Scope 2, covering indirectly generated purchased utilities, such as electricity, and 45% focus chiefly on Scope 3, which includes the procurement of goods and services.

When it comes to measurement, the increased presence of dedicated green budgets for the data centre industry may help in tracking investment-based emissions. Over half (55%) of teams now have access to separate ‘green’ funds, up from 50% in 2023. Despite progress, 40% of organisations still do not separate their budgets, indicating a lack of clear visibility between funding and sustainability progress.

Positively, however, a dominant portion (78%) of organisations state they have already assessed the carbon impact within existing solutions.

“In the immediate future, we require greater industry-wide standardisation to how we tackle sustainability goals. We need to form a framework for how we assess, measure, and report, as well as the steps taken to act on this data. We must stay cynical on confidence around reporting, as well as positive yet incremental green budget growth, as we do not yet have the full picture when it comes to assessing various scope emissions, nor a consensus on which is most important to measure. As an industry, we must strive to unify our goals and practices and make progress as a collective, not singular entities” said Rich Clifford, Director of Solutions at Keysource.