2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit - Europe: Detailed Recap

Key Takeaways From The 2nd Net Zero Data Center Summit 2025

The summit comprised different informative sessions all focused on the critical elements of data center sustainability. Experts from different sectors came to present innovative solutions, shared best practices, and engaged in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in achieving net-zero emissions. Below is a summary of the sessions and their takeaways:

Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Equinix’ Initiatives at a Glance

Speaker: Jens Peter FEIDNER, Managing Director/VP, Germany, Equinix

The session centered around Equinix’s sustainability efforts, wherein the presenter discussed how the company incorporates energy-optimized measures. The speaker also discussed how sustainable architecture and management are integrated into its work. In a significant effort to minimize environmental footprints, Equinix is taking sustainability forward integrating low-carbon technologies across its global data centers. The speaker further highlighted the need for innovation to reach sustainable environmental goals. Moreover, the role of sustainable practices in positioning the company as a leader in the data center landscape was also seen.

Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Strategies for Sustainable Data Centres

Speaker: Chris PENNINGTON, Director Energy & Sustainability, Iron Mountain Data Centers

This session highlighted strategies for achieving carbon neutrality in data centers. The speaker also presented the need for the integration of energy-efficient technologies and the use of renewable energy sources. These were shown as the two main actions required to minimize electrical use and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, carbon offsetting initiatives and purchasing RECs were covered as effective measures to mitigate environmental impact. Additionally, the importance of collaboration with local governments and utilities to drive sustainability efforts was emphasized.

Innovative Design Solutions for Decarbonisation

Speaker: Roy ANDRADE, Technical Director, Sweet Projects

The session covered how innovative design solutions can play a crucial role in decarbonizing construction, particularly in data centers. The speaker gave us an understanding of how design can help to deliver a sustainable future. The presentation also reflected the obstacles that lie ahead to achieving a net-zero one. Furthermore, attention was drawn to the development of energy-efficient buildings. This is with the use of sustainable materials and the minimization of carbon emissions.

Enhancing Clean Energy Accessibility in Europe’s Demanding Markets

Speaker: Torkild FOLLAUG, Chief Sustainability Officer, Green Mountain

This session at the 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe explored the challenge of enhancing clean energy accessibility across Europe. The presenter addressed the heterogeneous energy markets and the need to increase clean energy access even with differing regional characteristics. The session also focused on the critical role of data centers in fostering clean energy and overcoming energy constraints. In addition, the session reflected that stakeholder collaboration is critical in tackling these problems and making clean energy solutions more prevalent and widely available.

AI-Driven Sustainable Developments in Data Centres

Speaker: Sam MATHEW, UK Energy & Utilities Industry Advisor, Microsoft

The speaker addressed the increase of AI in sustainable development in data centers. Key topics included how AI can go beyond asset monitoring to optimize energy efficiency. This is with applications such as automated procurement strategies, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection. Furthermore, the contribution of AI to the security of facilities and sustainability was also commented upon. It focused on what AI-based tools can do to not only improve operational efficiency but also to reduce the environmental footprint of data center activities. This stands to be one of the future trends in sustainable data centers in Europe.

Innovations in Pipe Joining for Greener Data Centers

Speaker: Manuel EMMERICH, Business Development Manager – DACH, Victaulic

This session explored innovative piping solutions aimed at making data center construction more sustainable. The speaker talked about grooved mechanical piping’s capability. This is of minimizing the environmental footprint, improving and simplifying structural construction processes. In addition, the session highlighted the breadth of applicability of these innovations for future growth, waste reduction, and achieving long-term sustainability. The speaker also gave insights on how these eco-friendly practices are changing data center architecture. This is by simultaneously being environmentally friendly and economical.

Achieving Transparency with the CFE Score: Redefining the Sustainability of Data Centers

Speaker: Chad MCCARTHY, CTO and Co-Founder, nLighten

In this session, the speaker presented the Integrated CFE Score, a method for measuring the sustainability of data centers. This is through the evaluation of the use of carbon-free energy sources and their inclusion in the local infrastructure. The session discussed why this score offers transparency into the environmental impact of data centers thereby establishing a competitive advantage as well as the path towards a sustainable future. Moreover, the speaker pointed out the need for data-driven metrics to be the basis for promoting the sustainability of the data center industry.

Sustainable Data Centers Cooling for AI Applications

Speaker: Jérôme SAGE, Key Account Manager, Data Centers & EV Batteries, BAC

The session at the 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe addressed how to balance water and electricity consumption while mitigating CO2 emissions in data centers. This is especially true with the growing demand for AI applications. Furthermore, the speaker discussed the use of liquid cooling solutions (e.g., immersion cooling, cold plates) to improve the cooling performance and environmental footprint of cooling systems. The inclusion of these elements into the design of the data center increases density and changes mission-critical facilities into high-performance computing centers while being cost-effective.

How to Tailor a Green PPA for Your Data Center?

Speaker: Filipp ROUSSAK, Originator, Statkraft

This session focused on the procurement of green power through PPAs. The speaker went through how PPAs can be custom-made to match the sustainability targets and power demand profiles of data centers. Key issues, including power procurement strategies and sustainability objectives, were also seen. This was with an emphasis on how PPAs may be valuable for data centers to mitigate against price risks as well as incentivize renewable energy deployment. Additionally, the session emphasized the use of individualized PPAs as a means for realizing long-term sustainability targets.

PANEL DISCUSSION: Incorporating nature in and on data centers, shouldn’t biodiversity enhancement be a critical design feature for all DC providers?

Speakers: Alistair LAW, Founder, Vertical Meadow; Michael DADA, Managing Director, VIRTUS Data Centres (Germany); Peter RADGEN, Chair of Energy Efficiency at The Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart; Edgar VAN ESSEN, Managing Director, Switch Datacenters

The speakers emphasized the increasing need to incorporate nature with data center designs, with a particular interest in biodiversity improvement. The panelists elaborated on the ways that green spaces, such as walls or natural habitats, might contribute to sustainability goals. Furthermore, the environmental benefits that these initiatives can achieve were seen including better air quality, improved energy efficiency, and resilience against climate change. Moreover, the general challenges and opportunities for data center providers in making biodiversity a critical design feature further built on the discussion. The focus was on the need to innovate solutions that support both ecological and operational sustainability.

Leading the Charge: Europe’s Role in Creating a Sustainable Future for Data Centres

Speaker: Michael DADA, Managing Director (Germany), VIRTUS Data Centres

The session at the 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe explored the role of Europe in driving a sustainable future for data centers. The speaker discussed local challenges faced by data centers in Europe and the global impact of these challenges. The speaker mentioned the key drivers for sustainability, including the European Green Deal. This aims to make data centers more sustainable in the future.

The German Energy Efficiency Act and the Requirements for German Data Centers

Speaker: Peter RADGEN, Chair of Energy Efficiency at The Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart

The speaker gave an overview of the German Energy Efficiency Act and its implications for data centers. Key points included the thresholds and timelines for obligated data centers to comply with energy efficiency regulations. The session also covered the requirement for data centers to report and publish data and the use of waste heat from data centers. The speaker also covered the relationship between data center waste heat usage and communal heat planning law. It pointed out the necessity of the inclusion of energy-efficient measures in running data centers in Germany.

How Can We Maximize Sustainability Throughout Data Centre Construction and Operations?

Speaker: Ahmed DAABIS, Regional Design Director D,A,CH, Design Engineering & Construction, Digital Realty

This session dealt with maximizing the sustainability of a data center for both the construction and operational phases. The speaker emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability design practices from the very early stages of project initiation. He also discussed strategic operational sustainability including energy-efficient systems and green building certifications. As the speaker added, adopting this holistic approach ensures that data centers can reduce the environmental impact and achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Waste Heat Usage

Speaker: Günter EGGERS, Director Public, NTT Global Data Centers

The session focused on the utilization of waste heat in data centers to enhance sustainability. The speaker stated that waste heat utilization could contribute to energy efficiency and minimize the overall environmental footprint of data centers. The session also looked at the possibility of incorporating waste heat recovery systems in data center design, thereby making excess heat into valuable resources for nearby communities or industries. This approach is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and supporting the sustainability goals of the data center sector.

Beyond PUE: Rethinking Data Center Sustainability

Speaker: Matthias HAYMOZ, Project Manager, SDEA

This session covered the limitations of PUE as a sole measure of sustainability in data centers. The speaker covered the need to rethink traditional sustainability metrics and look at a wider range of factors. Furthermore, the topics at the session included the integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency beyond just power usage, and the importance of holistic sustainability practices. Moreover, the session sought to address an even broader scope of understanding regarding sustainability and the need for ongoing innovation in furthering the improvement of all facets of data center operations.

How Close Collaboration with Local Grid Companies on Sustainable Local Energy Transition Solutions is Key for Data Centre Developers

Speaker: Cara MASCINI, Chief Sustainability Officer, Switch Datacenters

The speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration with local grid companies and administrations. This is to develop reliable, resilient local energy solutions for data centers. Furthermore, the speakers discussed how data center developers can collaborate with these stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and streamline the permitting process. The speaker emphasized the benefits of transparency and open dialogue when it comes to developers and local entities. These partnerships are key to developing local energy solutions that balance sustainability goals and the growth of the business.

European Data Centres Between the Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency and the Energy Efficiency Directive

Speaker: Iolanda SAVIUC, Scientific Officer, European Commission

The speaker covered how European data centers are adjusting to changing efficiency needs. The session centered on the relationship between voluntary commitments in the Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency and binding obligations of the Energy Efficiency Directive. The most important compliance challenges and ways of improving operational performance were outlined. The impact of regulatory demands on industry best practices and sustainability efforts was also addressed. So, it gave practical answers to enable data centers to reach efficiency targets while long-term resiliency is maintained.

PANEL DISCUSSION: Navigating the Path to a Sustainable Data Centre Operation

Speakers: Matthias HAYMOZ, Project Manager, SDEA; Tom BARATH, Data Centre Business Development Manager, Victaulic; Ahmed DAABIS, Regional Design Director D,A,CH, Design Engineering & Construction, Digital Realty

This panel discussion focused on the key challenges and strategies for achieving sustainable data center operations. The speakers discussed some important topics, such as energy efficiency integration with renewable energy, the importance of collaboration between stakeholders for overcoming obstacles, as well as insights from navigating sustainability regulations to help the data center developers future-proof their operations while meeting these sustainability goals. Therefore, this discussion emphasized how innovation and collaboration would drive the industry toward more sustainable future changes.

Who Were the Sponsors for the 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe?

The 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe was supported by leading organizations working towards data center sustainability. These sponsors provided industry expertise, innovation technologies, and strategic insights for reinforcing industry-wide collaboration in pursuit of net-zero goals. Therefore, let us take a look at them as well:

Sweet Projects – Gold Sponsor

As a leading provider of bespoke turnkey construction solutions for the data sector, Sweet Projects is committed to integrating sustainability in every aspect of its operations. The company strives for energy savings, resource efficiency improvements, and low environmental impacts. Sweet Projects is transforming challenging constructions into opportunities for innovation, providing trustworthy, forward-looking solutions. These also have long-term resilience toward the changing sustainability standards. The organization has put more emphasis on client partnership by adhering to its people-first ethos, and in doing so, it facilitates reliable and evolutionary results for a greener tomorrow.

Victaulic – Bronze Sponsor

Victaulic is a global leader in mechanical pipe-joining technology, providing data centers with innovative solutions to meet their sustainability goals. Their products are made from recycled materials and designed for easy reconfiguration, reducing reliance on single-use materials and promoting circularity. Furthermore, the systems provided by Victaulic improve operational efficiency and safety. This supports data centers in completing projects on time while meeting environmental targets. With global reach, Victaulic is dedicated to promoting sustainability in the data industry, providing products that improve productivity, reduce risks, and ensure long-term energy efficiency.

BAC – Bronze Sponsor

BAC has been at the forefront of cooling technologies for more than 85 years and offers the most advanced solution for the data industry. Known for its evaporative condensers and immersion cooling tanks, BAC designs its systems with high considerations for sustainability. Furthermore, their technologies enable the minimalization of the environmental footprint of data centers while helping to approach high levels of energy efficiency. BAC’s global expertise and commitment to customer-oriented solutions make them indispensable partners in creating reliable, sustainable cooling systems that support demanding modern data center operations.

Statkraft – Bronze Sponsor

Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy, plays a strategic role in transitioning businesses to clean energy. From PPAs to GoOs, Statkraft delivers green power solutions tailored to specific sustainability requirements. Their innovative approach has secured several awards. It includes the Daimler Supplier Award for 2020 and the 2023 Schaeffler Sustainability Award. Moreover, with operations in more than 20 countries worldwide, Statkraft is committed to transforming the energy landscape, accelerating the shift to renewable power, and helping data centers achieve their sustainability goals.

HITEC Power Protection – Exhibiting Partner

HITEC Power Protection is recognized for its high-performance rotary UPS systems designed to provide continuous, conditioned power for data centers. Their HITEC PowerPro series enhances energy efficiency and filters utility harmonics for superior performance and reliability. From single-unit deployments to large-scale turnkey projects, HITEC’s solutions adapt to the widest range of operational needs. The strong global presence with regional support in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific gives HITEC the capability to ensure that all data centers across the globe get the power protection solutions they require to remain functional and efficient.

Neurair – Exhibiting Partner

Neurair is rewriting the rules of data center cooling with advanced liquid cooling. They focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. They have engineered their closed-loop concepts to waste as little water as possible. This approach aims to offer scalable, high-performance solutions. In alignment with European CE certification, Neurair’s products adhere to sustainable practices that have economic and environmental benefits. The company’s expertise in both cooling technology and tailored customer service ensures that Neurair‘s solutions meet not only the energy efficiency targets but also the long-term sustainability goals for the data industry.

Trane – Exhibiting Partner

Trane, part of Trane Technologies, is a recognized global leader in building technology and energy solutions. The company is dedicated to decarbonizing the built environment, including data centers. Furthermore, Trane, through its innovative products and digital technologies, supports data centers in achieving their goals of being energy-efficient and sustainable. In accordance with their 2030 Sustainability Commitments and 2050 Net-Zero carbon target, Trane strives to address the climate and sustainability challenges of today while driving forward a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

Vertical Meadow – Panelist Partner

Vertical Meadow is redefining urban construction through sustainable, eco-friendly living walls that enhance biodiversity in urban spaces. Using native wildflowers and grasses grown directly from seed, their low-maintenance systems eliminate the need for transporting live plants. Furthermore, designed for simplicity and ease of installation, Vertical Meadow’s systems require minimal upkeep. This is while delivering maximum environmental benefit. These green walls also encourage sustainable, eco-smart urban growth and are a very practical solution for developers looking to integrate nature into modern construction. Additionally, the innovative approach of Vertical Meadow is in line with the growing need for greener, more biodiverse urban environments.

To Sum Up

The 2nd Net Zero Data Centre Summit – Europe was an all-around platform for industry leaders to engage and bring ideas forward, discuss challenges, and explore solutions toward sustainable data centers. Moreover, thought-provoking sessions and contributions by leading sponsors at the event reinforced the industry’s commitment toward net-zero goals. So, stay tuned for future net-zero events to remain at the forefront of sustainable innovations.

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