As the global demand for data centres continues to surge – driven not only by AI but also by the decentralisation of digital infrastructure – operators are facing mounting pressure to balance performance, sustainability, and compliance.
In Europe and Asia, the trend toward smaller, locally distributed facilities is accelerating, spurred by concerns over data sovereignty and security.
In this competitive landscape, where hyperscalers and regional players vie to meet business, environmental, and legislative demands, water management has emerged as a important factor. Cooling alone can account for 10% to 40% of a data centre’s energy costs, and communities are increasingly vocal about the environmental footprint of these facilities – particularly regarding water use and energy consumption.