Digital Realty, renowned as a leading global provider of data centre services, has announced a noteworthy collaboration with Ecolab, a prominent force in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. This partnership heralds the deployment of an artificial intelligence-driven solution aimed at conserving water across 35 of Digital Realty's data centres in the United States.
Nalco Water, a division within Ecolab that focuses on water and process management, will implement this pioneering initiative. The project is designed to boost Digital Realty's water use efficiency while minimizing their environmental footprint. The AI-enhanced service merges Ecolab’s expertise in automation and control technology, honed over more than a century, to set actionable benchmarks for water consumption. By leveraging AI and machine learning, the system can decipher real-time data to highlight inefficiencies in cooling systems and suggest prompt improvements.
The partnership marks Digital Realty as an early adopter and significant contributor to the development of this AI-enabled technology. The full implementation promises to curtail water use by as much as 15%, extend the operational life of equipment, and avert the extraction of up to 126 million gallons of potable water from local sources each year.
Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability at Digital Realty, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, noting, “Collaborating with Ecolab on this AI-driven water conservation initiative aligns with our goals of improving water use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. We’re excited about the potential of this solution to set a new standard in water conservation for data centres.”
This new project extends a decade-long partnership between Digital Realty and Ecolab, during which they have completed 15 water conservation projects. In the current year alone, these efforts have led to a 5% reduction in water withdrawal from local sources and avoided the emission of 986 metric tons of CO2 through sustainable energy and water use reduction strategies. Additionally, plastic waste from chemical deliveries was reduced by 83% through innovative service methods.
Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab’s Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating, “AI is not just revolutionizing business; it’s also set to transform water and energy efficiency within the tech sector. At Ecolab, we’re proud to innovate AI-powered water solutions with Digital Realty, showcasing how next-gen technology can elevate water stewardship across industries.”
This AI-driven project is a pivotal component of Digital Realty’s expansive water conservation strategy, focusing on enhancing water usage effectiveness (WUE) and decreasing total water consumption. The company’s 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report shows a commendable 14% reduction in water use intensity from the previous year, underscoring Digital Realty’s dedication to environmental mindfulness through innovative practices.
Moreover, Digital Realty has already applied AI solutions to other operational areas, such as the expansion of its Apollo AI energy efficiency platform in the Asia-Pacific region. To date, this platform has identified potential savings of approximately 18 gigawatt-hours of energy, which equates to the annual consumption of over 1,600 U.S. households.
Digital Realty's ongoing alliance with Ecolab exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and technological innovation within the data centre sector. By harnessing advanced technology and strategic partnerships, the company remains a vanguard in promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services