As of March 2024, there were almost 5,400 data centers in the U.S. That’s more than 10 times the number of data centers in China. Just one rack uses as much as 14kW, and more powerful AI racks can use as much as 60kW each. It’s expected that by 2030, data centers will be using as much as 35 gigawatts. Think of it this way, that’s almost a quarter of the nation’s total wind power generation.
Meanwhile, the demand for data centers continues. Northern Virginia is home to a 3,400 mW data center, but the availability for that center is almost zero. A new data center is under construction and expected to open in 2025. That means more energy is going to be used, and that impacts the environment in several ways.
That’s why it’s important for data centers to carefully consider the ITAD solutions they choose. It’s necessary to balance environmental impact with the increasing need for data centers as the use of AI increases.
Why Do Data Centers Create a High Demand for Energy?
What makes a data center such an energy hog? The computer components must be kept cool to prevent overheating. Temperatures in a data center rise quickly. An IBM data center generates enough heat to warm the water in a community pool. A Facebook data center in Denmark said it was going to generate enough heat to heat almost 7,000 homes.
While the heat recovery is possible and encouraged, systems still need cooling towards. Those towers use a lot of water. The servers, fans, and cooling system pumps also use a lot of electricity. As technology changes, updated equipment helps minimize power consumption.
As equipment is updated, the need for environmentally friendly and ethical e-waste recycling is important. Items can’t just go into the trash, and storing them in storage units until they’re forgotten is not acceptable. That’s where ITAD comes in.
How Does ITAD Help Lower the Environmental Impact?
ITAD stands for IT Asset Disposition. It’s a service where you recycle electronics while also ensuring they’re repurposed and recycled responsibly.
There are four main benefits, and many of them help protect the environment.
Items are recycled.
You support a circular economy.
Data is destroyed.
You capture value from used equipment.
You’re using the materials from e-waste to make new things. Go back in time and a computer went into the trash. That old computer is sitting below the surface in a landfill somewhere. As it slowly breaks down, heavy metals and plastic could become problems for future generations. That’s why recycling e-waste is so important. ITAD ensures items are reused or recycled responsibly.
Before any of that happens, data security is protected. You’ve probably heard stories of companies that find their old computers have been purchased and the buyer is able to retrieve confidential data. After data destruction, items can be broken down to lower the amount of raw materials needed to make new servers and other devices. With newer technology comes more focus on energy-efficient hardware. You’re recycling older power hogs with newer hardware that uses far less energy.
That newer hardware does cost money, but when you sell your IT assets, you get money back. Getting the highest possible value gives you more money to invest in environmentally friendly electronics, so your upgrades don’t cost as much as they could.
While the number of data centers is skyrocketing, the energy consumption is improving. In 2014, U.S. data centers used approximately 7 gigawatts. Despite the increase in the number of data centers, electricity demand was about 45% less in 2020. Plus, companies are starting to realize that the heat generated from servers is a great alternative heating source for everything from homes and businesses to schools and community buildings, which adds to the benefits the environment gains.
What ITAD Services Are Essential to a Data Center?
One of the most important services from an ITAD provider is data destruction. Data wiping and sanitization ensure the complete destruction of sensitive data to keep random people from gaining access to it after an electronic device leaves a data center. Throughout this process, the appropriate data privacy and environmental laws or standards must be followed. Improper disposal can become costly, so an ITAD provider needs to know the laws that apply to different industries.
After data is wiped or sanitized, IT assets need to be refurbished or separated into parts that can be resold. The goal is to get the highest possible value during resale. Items that no longer have use need to be broken down and recycled into materials that can be used for other items. For example, recycled glass can be used as the base under pavement.
Tips for Choosing the Right ITAD Partner
How does a data center choose the best ITAD partner? Start with certifications. Some of the important credentials to look for include the following:
- AAR 360 – Prove exceptional ability to establish, implement, maintain, and improve information security management systems.
- AICPA SOC 2 – Focused on protocols that protect privacy, security, and integrity.
- CO2 Neutral – Takes measures to reduce the carbon footprint year after year.
- ISO 14001 – Proves an organization is dedicated to business growth in an environmentally sustainable way.
- e-Stewards – E-waste recycling follows Basel Action Network’s strict standards.
- NAID – Secure data destruction is completed following all data protection guidelines and laws.
- R2 – Shows responsibility is taken in choosing secure, responsible downstream vendors to ensure that electronics are recycled properly and responsibly at all stages.
By choosing an ITAD provider that has those certifications, you gain the benefit of knowing security is of the utmost importance. It also shows the provider is focused on the environment and isn’t going to cut corners and harm the earth.
ERI holds all of those certifications and several others. We also believe that ITAD should support a circular economy through recycling and remarketing. Save yourself money and hassle by working with an environmentally responsible expert in ITAD.
Whether you need government-level services or are a smaller business looking to move or decommission your data center, we’re here to help you. ERI provides ITAD services to companies of all sizes and fields.