Industry leaders, sustainability experts, and innovators met at The Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA to tackle essential data center problems involving efficiency enhancement and environmental footprint reduction. The event allowed participant interactions that presented extensive observations about sustainable technology applications in real-life data center operations while establishing directions for future sustainability approaches. This article summarizes the sessions from the event as well as showcases the essential sponsors who supported its accomplishment.
Key Takeaways From The Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA
The Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA featured key sessions that explored innovative strategies to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in data centers. Following is an overview of the sessions and the insights:
Powering the Data Centers of Tomorrow: Behind the Meter is Inevitable
Speaker: Jason Long, Data Center Business Development Lead, VoltaGrid
This session explored the latest advancements in microgrid technologies tailored for data centers. The presenter covered scalable energy solutions that increase operational resilience. This ranges from quick deployment to long-term infrastructure planning. Attendees gained insights into integrating clean energy sources for cost savings and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the session focused on optimization techniques leveraged by AI. This increases energy consciousness, security, and reliability. In light of the increasing demands for data center power, the discussion offered practical solutions to the futureproofing of the operations and evolving of the industry landscape.
Enhancing Clean Energy Accessibility in U.S. Demanding Markets
Speaker: Latane Garetson, Director of Physical Infrastructure, Dropbox
This session examined the expansion of clean energy access across diverse U.S. markets. The presenter discussed the urgent energy problems plaguing data center operations and strategies to foster clean energy utilization. The session also discussed the changing nature of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and how they are pushing renewable energy consumption closer to the mainstream. So, attendees gained insights into overcoming regional energy constraints. They also got to know about balancing sustainability goals with operational efficiency. The session offered a thorough overview of market forces and the potential available for clean energy solutions within data centers.
Designing in Sustainability and Efficiency
Speaker: Enzo Greco, President, Nlyte Software
The speaker highlighted the need for designing data centers for long-term effectiveness and sustainability. The session also covered strategies for optimizing cooling and power distribution. This is while ensuring workload adaptability. The attendees got to know about thermal optimization methods for both future construction and existing operations. The session also defined where the maximum efficiency improvements can be achieved. The presenter further emphasized the importance of thermal capacity matching IT demand for better performance. Additionally, this session offered practical advice for increasing operational efficiency with a decreased environmental footprint for data center architecture.
The Race to Deploy Sustainable AI Data Centers
Speaker: Steven Carlini, VP of Innovation and Data Center Energy Management Business, Schneider Electric
With ever-increasing AI-driven workloads, this session focused on the critical imperatives of sustainable high-density data centers. The presenter discussed answers for power and cooling requirements. This is while reducing water use and CO2 emissions. Attendees were educated on green building practices that comply with sustainability objectives. This is while enabling accelerated deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. So, the discussion offered the state of practice for the design and deployment of AI-prepared data centers. It maximizes efficiency, reliability, and environmental footprint in an accelerating computing age.
Fireside Chat: Navigating the Convergence of Energy and Digital Infrastructure
Speakers: Michael Donohue, Managing Director, Sustainability & Business Development, Cumulus Data; Eva Helén, Member, iMWomen and iMasons Climate Accord
The fireside chat explored the evolving intersection of energy and digital infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability. The speakers addressed the current importance of clean energy in driving data center growth. They also shed light on the approaches required to provide the continuing rate of expansion and environmentally sustainable growth. Attendees gained insights into how industry leaders are addressing regulatory challenges. They also got to know about how they address energy efficiency goals and the integration of sustainable technologies. So, the session offered an optimistic vision of the future of digital infrastructure in a more energy-aware society.
Sustainable Strategies for Managing and Modernizing Aging Electrical Power Distribution Equipment in Data Centers: Balancing Reliability, Safety, and Environmental Impact
Speakers: Joel Benson, Vice President of Sales, Group CBS; Steve Camber, Vice President of Business Development, Group CBS
This session addressed the challenges of aging electrical power distribution equipment in data centers. Participants brainstormed on how to achieve a thorough balance between reliability, safety, and environmental factors when modernizing infrastructure. Participants discussed means of modernizing aging systems without losing operational continuity and energy efficiency. The session also discussed key practices for reducing risks related to old equipment. It gave insights into sustainable modernization strategies that work within industry standards and long-term data center sustainability objectives.
Powering the Future: Harnessing Renewable Fuels for Sustainable Data Centers
Speaker: Andy Milton, Senior Vice President of Supply & Distribution, Mansfield Energy
This session presented a detailed overview of renewable fuels and their contribution to sustainable data center operation. The presenter discussed the environmental advantages, technical aspects, and market perspectives of renewable fuel implementation. Attendees also learned about the use of alternative fuels in reducing carbon footprints without compromising the reliability of operations. The session also covered supply chain challenges and future trends in fuel sourcing. This gave a comprehensive perspective on integrating renewable fuels into data center energy strategies.
Panel Discussion: Understanding and Addressing Material Scope 3 Impacts for Data Centers
Speakers: Jenny Gerson, Sr. Director, Sustainability, Databank; Katie Bachman, Director, Sustainability, STACK Americas; Sarah Martinez, VP of ESG, Prime Data Centers
This panel explored the complexities of Scope 3 emissions in data center operations. The speakers discussed strategies for assessing and mitigating environmental impacts across the supply chain. Attendees learned how companies are addressing sustainability challenges. This concerns procurement, construction, and energy consumption. The discussion also covered regulatory considerations and industry collaboration efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions. So, this session gave concrete outcome in the realization of a sustainable achievement, despite the changing environment of environmental sustainability in data centers.
Water-Efficient Cooling Solutions
Speaker: Julia Diaz, PE, Mechanical Engineer, Page
This session at the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA focused on optimizing water usage in data center cooling systems. The speaker commented on techniques, including indirect evaporative and adiabatic cooling, water reuse, and other cooling methods. It includes liquid immersion or aril-cooled systems. Attendees learned how AI-driven monitoring can enhance efficiency and reduce water waste. The discussion also highlighted the regular practice of routine audits and system optimization to reduce freshwater consumption. So, this session provided essential insights into sustainable cooling solutions that balance energy efficiency with water conservation.
Panel Discussion: What Are The Net Zero Emission Design for The Future Of Data Centers in the AI Era?
Speakers: Nina Sadighi, PE, SMIEEE, Founder, Eradeh Power; Stuart Lawrence, VP of Product Innovation & Sustainability, Stream Data Centers; Namrata Gupta, Sustainability Engineer, Vantage Data Centers
This panel at the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA examined the challenges and strategies for achieving net-zero emissions in AI-driven data centers. The presenters spoke about technical advancements and regulatory factors driving the industry’s sustainability initiatives. Attending this session got attendees thinking about how to overcome energy efficiency hurdles while still providing high-performance computing. The discussion also covered some inventive solutions for carbon footprint reduction in data center designs and operationalizing.
Leading the Charge: U.S.’s Role in Creating a Sustainable Future for Data Centers
Speaker: Miranda Gardiner, Executive Director, iMasons Climate Accord
The purpose of this session was to discuss the U.S.’s role in creating a sustainable data center future. The presenter outlined the way local issues play into global sustainability targets. It includes regulatory changes and their effects on energy efficiency. The speaker discussed major forces on sustainability and approaches to addressing regional challenges as they attempt to go global. So, the session offered significant information on the impact of policy modification, and industry innovation. This shapes the changing landscape of sustainable data center infrastructure in the US and elsewhere.
Panel Discussion: Regulatory and Sustainability Reporting for Data Centers
Speakers: Megan Baker, Vice President, Engagement, Green Building Initiative; Loren Long, Director of Sustainability, Digital Infrastructure Advisors; Emily Backus, Sustainability Director, Vantage Data Centers
This panel discussion explored the complexities of regulatory and sustainability reporting in the data center industry. Presenters spoke about compliance issues, emerging reporting issues that will need to be reported as well as best practices for disclosure. Listeners learned about integrating sustainability objectives and changes in legislation and industry schemes. The session also dealt with avenues for enhancing sustainability measures, mitigating environmental footprint, and being responsive to stakeholder requirements. So, this discussion presented critical direction on how to work with regulation and how to improve data center operations sustainability.
Driving Data Center Sustainability with AMI Data Center Manager
Speakers: Rami Radi, Sr. Product Manager and Solution Architect, AMI; Muthukkumaran Ramalingam, Sr. Engineering Manager & Product Architect, AMI
This session highlighted how AMI Data Center Manager provides real-time insights into power, thermal performance, and carbon emissions. Speakers reported on the ability of detailed device and component health monitoring. It allows operators to have reliability-focused, energy-saving actions. Attendees learned how leveraging granular data helps optimize facility-wide efficiency, comply with sustainability regulations, and reduce overall carbon footprints. So, the session provided a hands-on perspective on achieving sustainability objectives. This is while working within operational constraints in today’s high-density data center infrastructure.
Panel Discussion: Meeting the Energy Demands of the Data Center Boom
Speakers: Jason Long, Data Center Business Development Lead, VoltaGrid; Zach Wall, SVP Sales & Marketing, Mansfield Energy; Chris Pennington, Director Energy & Sustainability, Iron Mountain Data Centers.
This panel discussion at the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA explored strategies for addressing the growing energy demands of data centers. Speakers discussed the challenges utility companies are dealing with in helping drive fast industry growth and meet sustainability goals. Participants learned about novel approaches to energy procurement, renewable energy integration, and grid infrastructure enhancements. The session also provided practical approaches for balancing reliability, scalability, and environmental responsibility. This is as the data center industry continues to evolve.
Fireside Chat: Meeting the Energy Demands of the Data Center Boom
Speaker: Mohamed Hassan, Sustainability | Sr. Technical Program Manager, AWS
This fireside chat discussed the important issues facing energy requirements for data centers becoming more and more energy-hungry. The presenter talked about the optimization of energy consumption by companies while maintaining operational resilience and compliance with sustainability targets. Attendees explored methods to improve power efficiency, deploy renewable energy sources, and communicate with utility companies. So, the session gave a deep insight into the latest technologies and regulatory challenges. These are going to determine the future of energy management in data centers.
Practical Steps for Increasingly Sustainable Data Centers
Speaker: Gordon Kellerman, Executive Vice President, Skybox Datacenter
This session focused on actionable strategies for enhancing data center sustainability. The presenter discussed sustainable sourcing, solid e-waste management, and supply chain disclosure practices. Attendees learned how to implement energy-efficient technologies and responsible material sourcing. This reduces environmental impact. The session also discussed the need to respect human rights standards in supply chains and to reduce waste through improved lifecycle management. So, this session provided practical steps for data centers aiming to achieve greater sustainability and long-term efficiency.
Who Were the Sponsors for the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA?
Sponsors took on an essential role at the summit which included steering conference discussions along with delivering their specialized knowledge. The Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA exposed innovative methods for enhancing data center energy efficiency along with sustainability and technological development through sponsor contributions. The following section outlines both the sponsors who supported the event and their methods to generate impact.
VoltaGrid – Platinum Sponsor
The VoltaGrid company delivers clean turnkey power and fuel packages at cost-effective rates for remote operations and grid-connected situations. The patent-pending modular design from VoltaGrid provides superior power reliability together with enhanced quality. This is through a system that significantly decreases emissions. So, it works effectively for microgrids and standby grid power needs. Furthermore, AI-based monitoring enables VoltaGrid to provide reliable operation while users are under heavy load conditions. Their hybrid energy storage system also reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 28-40% lower than traditional power supply methods. Additionally, the company provides Net Zero carbon offsets. This showcases their dedication to responsible environmental stewardship for extended periods.
Nlyte Software – Gold Sponsor
Nlyte Software stands among the top DCIM solutions providers while delivering innovative sustainability tools to customers. Their platform provides three key sustainability features. It includes Data Center Compliance Reporting as well as real-time energy usage reporting and carbon emissions measurement. Enterprise data from Nlyte lets data centers achieve environmental impact reduction while maintaining regulatory efficiency. Their innovative system enables ESG initiatives and demonstrates how technology strengthens data centers toward green development. Their presence at the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA demonstrates its dedication to sustainability-oriented infrastructure development.
Mansfield Energy – Gold Sponsor
Mansfield Energy uses its extensive logistics network along with North America’s most extensive independent fuel distribution system to deliver environmentally sustainable energy solutions to markets. The company selects clean alternative fuels and develops specific sustainability guidelines. This helps clients fulfill their environmental objectives. Organizations can achieve meaningful carbon footprint reductions through the transparent emission reports of this company. Operational resilience and sustainability at Mansfield Energy show its role in advancing sustainability in the data center sector.
AIRSYS – Silver Sponsor
AIRSYS provides engineered cooling solutions specifically designed for data centers. This is alongside telecommunications facilities. battery storage facilities as well as more critical applications of such nature. The company achieves 24/7 operational reliability through its performance-driven technology. It prioritizes both sustainability goals and high-efficiency operations. AIRSYS maintains its position as an environmental leader with its 85 patents and its networking in 11 countries worldwide. Their work supports the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA’s goal of establishing sustainable operations within the data center sector.
Schneider Electric – Silver Sponsor
Schneider Electric aims to unite progress with sustainability by implementing electrification, digitization, and automation practices. The AI-operated Industrial IoT systems from the company minimize energy expenses in diverse production sectors. It includes flexible infrastructure and data facilities. As a company operating in more than 100 countries, Schneider employs 150,000 people and supports diverse teams through inclusive practices along with environmental sustainability in every part of its ecosystem. Their approach to solving problems creates efficient energy management while respecting environmental responsibility. This establishes them as essential developers of sustainable data centers.
Group CBS – Bronze Sponsor
Group CBS offers diverse power distribution solutions. It includes circuit breaker sales, electrical testing, maintenance, and remote switching services for low-to-high voltage applications. Operational efficiency in electrical distribution is ensured by Group CBS’s ability to blend technical expertise from CBS ArcSafe, Vacuum Interrupters, and CBS Field Services. Through their focus on high-quality sustainable power solutions, Group CBS helps data centers evolve into stronger and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
AMI – Bronze Sponsor
AMI develops firmware solutions that combine security with efficiency and sustainability for computer systems environments. AMI specializes in security along with orchestration and manageability because their technology supports edge computing and data center innovation. The next-generation computing infrastructure development by the organization delivers sustainability benefits along with reduced energy consumption. Through collaborations with leading brands and service providers, AMI advances technological sustainability in mission-critical hardware and firmware solutions.
Eradeh Power – Panelist Partner
As an energy solutions provider, Eradeh Power focuses on sustainability and grid independence. The company has operated globally for more than 20 years to deliver value engineering solutions that maintain safety standards while optimizing costs. Moreover, the company devotes itself to operational excellence that enables it to promptly provide sustainable energy solutions to customers. Through its participation at the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA, Eradeh Power plays an important role in advancing operations for data centers that are resistant.
GBI – Panelist Partner
GBI functions as a global non-profit organization whose mission centers on the environmental advancement of buildings throughout the world. As an ANSI-accredited standards developer, GBI offers Green Globes and Green Globes Journey to Net Zero certification programs. So, the organization backs sustainability compliance objectives alongside infrastructure optimization goals. GBI also achieves its goal through certification processes to help organizations widely adopt sustainable building techniques. This is while leading the data center industry’s progress toward net-zero initiatives.
Neurair – Exhibiting Partner
The company Neurair provides advanced liquid cooling solutions with CE certification and closed-loop designs. This reduces water consumption and increases operational energy efficiency. The cooling modules from Neurair operate on a scalable basis to cut down operational costs while following European green strategy requirements. The company enables organizations to obtain grants together with funding programs that help enhance energy efficiency performance. Neurair also guarantees effective communication and effectiveness. This is with manufacturing expertise in places like Taiwan, being a European company.
BGIS – Exhibiting Partner
BGIS provides a comprehensive data center life management system for 180 managed sites throughout the world. The company maintains capabilities that cover both newly constructed (greenfield) and existing (brownfield) facilities to guarantee operational reliability and uptime compliance. BGIS delivers broad-ranging White and Gray Space services. This assists businesses to reduce their risks and enhance infrastructure performance. Moreover, the practice of lifecycle management at the company enables the development of sustainable data centers that perform at high levels.
LandGate – Exhibiting Partner
Through its data-based platform, LandGate transforms the way resources get managed. It allows users to evaluate land value alongside clean energy investment opportunities. Through its marketplace, LandGate enables the development and examination of solar and wind energy projects to benefit data center owners. Moreover, with analytics and automation, LandGate enables organizations to find optimal energy strategies and lower operational costs. Their participation in the Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA demonstrates how data-driven resource optimization helps reach sustainability targets.
Page – Presenting Partner
Page serves as a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering organization specializing in data center architecture. Page has successfully designed projects worth more than $5 billion in the last ten years. It continues to lead the field of technological advancement. Through educational programs, Page trains customers about future technologies. It includes AI modular design and immersion cooling systems. The data center designs at Page demonstrate innovative and sustainable principles that meet upcoming performance and environmental criteria.
Carlisle SynTec Systems – Lanyards Sponsor
The company Carlisle SynTec Systems has led the market in producing single-ply membrane roofing system products since its establishment nearly 5 decades ago. As a part of Carlisle Construction Materials, the company maintains different plants throughout the United States. The roofing solutions produced by the enterprise demonstrate durability alongside high-performance characteristics that work for industrial and commercial buildings. In addition, Carlisle SynTec Systems has shown dedication through years in the industry because of its continuous investment in quality roof solutions that promote sustainability.
iMasons Climate Accord – Knowledge Partner
The iMasons Climate Accord (iCA) establishes itself as a worldwide coalition. It works to minimize digital infrastructure’s carbon footprints. This is while following the Paris Climate Accord standards. The iCA organization composed of hyperscalers like AWS alongside Google and Meta ensures sustainability through standardized carbon measurement and industry-wide transparency. Through its environmental impact reduction leadership, the organization demonstrates that collaborative work drives progress toward net-zero carbon initiatives in the data center sector.
To Sum Up
The Sustainable Data Center Summit – USA underscored that real change in the sustainable digital infrastructure space is driven primarily through innovation and collaborative thought. The pace of change in the industry means that decision-makers must be aware of emerging technologies, regulatory trends, and sometimes conflicting best practices. Such events offer an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and build strategic partnerships. To stay at the forefront of this transformation for sustainability, make sure you look out for upcoming sustainability summits!
