Did you know that data centers consume around 2% of total global energy?
It may sound small, but on a global scale, that equals the energy use of millions of households. As the demand for digital services continues to rise — from cloud computing and streaming to the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) — data center energy consumption is increasing rapidly.
Projected global data center electricity demand from 2020 to 2030. Energy use is estimated to grow from 200 TWh in 2020 to around 400 TWh under baseline trends, and could reach 700 TWh by 2030 in the AI-driven scenario. With sustainable technologies, consumption could be limited to around 360 TWh
Source: IEA & Goldman Sachs Research (2024) — Global data center energy demand projections by scenario.
At the same time, the world is racing to achieve net zero emissions.
So the question is: how can the data center industry continue to grow without adding to the planet’s carbon burden?
This topic was explored in an insightful discussion featuring Ahmad Syaugi (Oghie), DC RAC Head at Schneider Electric Indonesia, and Christian Soeryoatmodjo, Sustainability Business Consultant at Schneider Electric Indonesia. The conversation was moderated by Dewi Gita Wulandari, Sales Engineer at PT Grundfos Trading Indonesia, who guided the dialogue on how sustainability is now becoming the key to the future of data center operations.
The Rise of Sustainability in the Data Center Industry
In recent years, sustainability has evolved from a mere buzzword into a core business necessity.
According to Christian Soeryoatmodjo, there are three main factors driving this trend: the global climate crisis, rising energy costs, and market as well as investor pressure for greater environmental transparency.
Ahmad Syaugi added that this shift isn’t only driven by regulations — it’s also shaped by changing customer expectations. Today, many corporate clients are asking about energy efficiency and green certifications before choosing a data center provider. This means sustainability is no longer just an added value — it’s a key competitive differentiator.
Customer Demands and Industry Commitment
Customer demand has become one of the strongest catalysts for sustainability implementation.
Data center operators are now focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and optimized cooling systems, as cooling is the second-largest energy consumer after servers.
The industry’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the growing investment in green technologies. Many operators are implementing liquid-based cooling systems, improving refrigerant management, and adopting AI-powered monitoring systems to track energy usage in real time.
These initiatives not only reduce operational costs but also help organizations reach their emission reduction targets and long-term sustainability goals.
Measuring Sustainability Through KPIs and Efficiency Technologies
To make sustainability efforts measurable, data centers use various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as:
- Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) – to assess energy efficiency,
- Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) – to monitor water consumption,
- and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE) – to calculate operational carbon emissions.
Source: The Green Grid, U.S. DOE, and Schneider Electric (2024)
Through these metrics, companies can track their energy performance, evaluate progress in emission reduction, and identify areas that require further optimization.
Transparency is also essential — both customers and regulators now expect verifiable proof, not just green claims.
ESG Regulations and Reporting in Indonesia
Regulation plays a crucial role in driving the shift toward sustainable data centers.
The Indonesian government has begun implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements for large corporations, including data center providers.
This policy aligns with Indonesia’s national commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
Through ESG reporting, the government ensures that the digital industry focuses not only on growth but also on maintaining balance with the environment — covering areas like energy use, water management, and refrigerant-related emissions reduction.
The Role of Government and Business Initiatives
To accelerate carbon reduction, the Indonesian government is promoting various regulatory use cases and policy initiatives, such as incentives for companies that adopt energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly refrigerant management.
Businesses are also encouraged to engage in carbon offset programs and adopt locally sourced renewable energy as part of their sustainability responsibilities.
However, as Ahmad Syaugi pointed out, the greatest challenge doesn’t lie in the regulations themselves — it’s in how the industry can adapt quickly without compromising innovation.
That’s why cross-sector collaboration between technology providers, regulators, and business players is crucial to ensure an effective green transformation.
Conclusion: Sustainability Is the Future of Data Centers
This discussion reinforces that sustainability is not an option — it’s the future direction of the data center industry. With increasing global pressure, efficiency needs, and regulatory demands, data center operators must strike a balance between reducing carbon footprints and supporting digital growth.
Four key factors are driving this transformation:
- Rising customer and market awareness of environmental issues
- Government policies and ESG reporting requirements
- Green technology innovations that improve energy efficiency
- Measurable KPIs to track sustainability performance
As highlighted by the Schneider Electric team,
“Sustainability doesn’t mean stopping digital growth — it means ensuring that growth doesn’t harm the planet.”
With shared commitment and continuous innovation, the future of Indonesia’s data center industry will be smarter, more efficient, and greener.
For more details, listen directly to the podcast on YouTube Nusantara Academy and don’t forget to register for training by contacting https://wa.me/6285176950083
