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In today ’ s fast-paced digital world , data centres are the backbone of global connectivity , powering everything from cloud services to essential business operations . However , the growing demand for data centres has also amplified their environmental impact , making it crucial to enhance efficiency while reducing their carbon footprint . This article explores practical steps organisations can take to improve data centre efficiency and significantly reduce their environmental impact . The article casestudies Legrand , a global leader in electrical and digital infrastructure , and offers valuable insights into selecting the right solution partner .
Enhancing data centre efficiency through sustainable partnerships
The past few years have seen data centre operators make significant strides in carbon emissions reporting , covering direct emissions ( Scope 1 ), energy-related emissions ( Scope 2 ), and emissions from the supply chain and other indirect activities ( Scope 3 ). While these efforts have traditionally focused on reducing energy consumption , a more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the broader environmental impact , especially Scope 3 emissions . This will entail not just optimising internal operations but selecting and collaborating with suppliers who share a commitment to sustainability . By examining Legrand ’ s innovations , this article offers practical advice for enhancing data centre sustainability at every level , from company practices to product design and industry-wide influence . been implemented to reduce energy use , with Legrand ' s Data , Power and Control division cutting energy consumption by 1.4GWh in 2023 . Overall , Legrand reported it achieved a 14GWh electricity saving between 2022 and 2023 , a staggering 39 % reduction when compared to 2021 . Additionally , 84 % of the electricity used in Legrand ’ s manufacturing and distribution sites now comes from renewable sources , with 25 % of these sites equipped with a renewable microgrid .
• Legrand aims to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions by 25 % by 2030 . A programme involving 250 suppliers has already secured commitments from 195 of them to reduce emissions by 215.5 ktons of CO 2 by 2030 .
Part 1 : Legrand ’ s corporate culture of sustainability
Legrand is a global leader in electrical and digital infrastructure with reported revenue of € 8.4 billion in 2023 , operating across residential , commercial , industrial and data centre markets . While this article is centred on data centres , Legrand ’ s sustainability initiatives across its entire value chain also consider the carbon emissions of its products , which can directly influence the Scope 3 emissions of the companies that purchase them . Its corporate culture of sustainability is broken down into four actionable goals .
• To begin , Legrand is establishing clear mediumand long-term goals to reduce its environmental impact . By 2030 , the company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its operations by 42 %. To support this , 150 initiatives have already
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