What does a low-carbon, high-performance data centre look like in practice?

Low-carbon design in data centres focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the entire life cycle of a facility, with a particular focus on reducing embodied carbon.

Embodied carbon refers to the emissions generated through the production, transport and installation of construction materials, as well as the construction process itself. In data centres, where large volumes of steel, concrete and specialist materials are needed, these emissions can be significant.

While sustainability has become a defining issue for the sector, low-carbon design is still evolving from niche to mainstream. Regulatory pressure and corporate net-zero commitments are accelerating adoption, but for much of the industry, it’s still a work in progress rather than a universal standard.

Every tonne of steel or concrete used to construct a data centre carries a carbon cost. Reducing that impact starts with more considered material choices. For example, opting for steel that’s been manufactured with renewable energy sources can significantly lower embodied emissions compared to conventional steel. Engineered timber is also gaining traction as a structural solution for data centres, offering a renewable alternative with inherent fire performance through charring.

By selecting low-carbon materials like renewable-energy steel and engineered timber, operators can meaningfully reduce the embodied carbon of new data centre builds or expansions. Embracing low-carbon design also helps future-proof data centre assets against tightening regulations and rising expectations for sustainable digital infrastructure.

Modular design  is central to high-performance data centre architecture and directly influences key efficiency metrics such as power usage effectiveness and water usage effectiveness.

In practice, modular design means building data centres using smaller, interchangeable units rather than fixed, bulky infrastructure. These modules can be added, removed or updated as needs change, making it easier to scale capacity or adopt new technologies with minimal disruption.

Modular design allows data centres to adapt to technological change, shifting business needs and evolving sustainability standards. New cooling systems, energy management technologies or alternative structural materials can be integrated without major overhauls or extended downtime.

Modular designs enable faster deployment and more flexible scaling because they can adapt to fluctuating workloads and incorporate advanced efficiency measures as needed. This level of flexibility helps operators maintain strong performance outcomes while responding to increasingly complex technological, regulatory and stakeholder requirements.

When approached thoughtfully, data centres can be both sustainable and high-performing. Using prefabricated or engineered materials, for example, can help lower embodied carbon while also allowing for quicker and more efficient construction.

Advances in modular construction and cooling technologies are driving progress across the sector, although some significant challenges remain. Securing renewable energy, managing water use and balancing power consumption continue to be critical concerns, given the resource-intensive nature of data centre operations.

Progress depends on continuous innovation, strategic partnerships and integrated solutions that combine renewables, traditional grid power and emerging technologies. By bringing these elements together, operators can deliver digital infrastructure that balances performance with long-term sustainability goals.

We recognise that every organisation faces unique challenges when it comes to balancing data centre sustainability and performance.

Whether your goal is to reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency or adopt modular construction, we guide you through complex decisions, from planning and design to delivery and operations. Drawing on insights from diverse projects around the world and deep technical know-how, we help you make informed decisions that drive sustainable outcomes.