Customers, People, Planet: The EdgeConneX Blueprint for Sustainability
EdgeConneX's "Customers, People, and Planet" mission is the foundation for its sustainability efforts, shaping how the company designs, builds, and operates data centers worldwide. Matt Vincent, Editor in Chief of Data Center Frontier, is joined on this episode of the Data Frontier Show Podcast by Haley Willis, Sr. Environmental and Regulatory Engineer at EdgeConneX, and they explore how this mission is implemented, embedding energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, and local market engagement into every step of their operations. By prioritizing a balance between environmental responsibility and operational excellence, EdgeConneX demonstrates how sustainability can successfully align with business goals.
A key topic of discussion is the importance of zero-waste and waste-diversion designations. Zero-waste certification means diverting 90% or more of waste from landfills and incineration, while waste diversion involves recycling, composting, and reusing materials with a standard goal of 75% or higher diversion. At EdgeConneX, achieving these certifications is more than a benchmark—it reflects their commitment to global sustainability standards and a circular economy. The conversation highlights how these certifications reduce environmental impact and drive innovation, particularly in regions with limited waste management infrastructure.
To achieve sustainability goals, EdgeConneX implements locally tailored strategies. These include partnering with regional vendors to develop recycling programs, investing in onsite sorting and composting systems, and educating stakeholders on waste segregation. With some vendors encountering zero-waste initiatives for the first time, EdgeConneX focuses on collaboration and education as part of its mission to make meaningful environmental progress.
The podcast dives into EdgeConneX's water-conscious approach. Almost all of their locations use air-cooled systems to minimize water usage. For the few cases requiring water cooling, closed-loop systems optimize efficiency while reducing reliance on virgin water sources. Analyzing water risks and addressing scarcity in site selection is key, and the company aims to achieve water neutrality by 2030 through replenishment projects and emerging technologies.
The podcast also discusses the challenges and opportunities EdgeConneX faces in navigating varied regulations, sourcing clean power, and addressing infrastructure gaps. These obstacles drive innovation and push the company toward renewable energy integration, advanced cooling technologies, and circular economy initiatives. EdgeConneX continues to evolve as a sustainable data center operations leader, paving the way for a more resilient and responsible digital future. Listen now to learn more!
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