The Green Pill: A Sustainable Reality for Data Centers

Datacenters currently consume over 4% of American electricity, potentially tripling in the next 5 years due to the global inflection point in AI. In this timely and engaging session, experts from Google, Microsoft, Arup and more will delve into the future of sustainability in datacenters, focusing on unlocking solutions to the major sources of emissions. The presentation team will pose the question to the audience, “Will you take the green pill, and become part of the solution?” The session will explore the critical role of datacenters and their environmental impact in our digital world. This session will begin with interactive polls to gauge audience knowledge and perceptions about data centers. Then an interactive charrette will engage the audience in discussing how AI can contribute to sustainability, from predictive maintenance to smarter demand response. We will provide a comprehensive overview of datacenter fundamentals, including key terminology, components, and metrics like Power Usage Effectiveness and present real-world case studies, including a Carbon-free Energy Plan and a Mass Timber Datacenter, will illustrate successful sustainable initiatives. Next, we will dive into the infrastructure and environmental impact of data centers, focusing on power and water, demand response, and land use. We'll debunk myths about deploying renewables and provide comparisons with more traditional building types. We'll address embodied carbon in construction and sustainable site development practices like Nature-positivity. It has been said, "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." This session will empower you to walk the path of sustainability in data centers. The session will conclude with a poll and an AI chatbot demonstration to synthesize our discussions' outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to drive positive change in their organizations, ready to unplug from unsustainable practices and embrace a greener future. The choice is yours after all.