Waste management
Data centers can generate various types of waste that must comply with regulations governing storage, management and disposal.
- Electronic waste (e-waste): This refers to discarded or obsolete electronic devices and components, such as servers, hard drives, cables, batteries and monitors. Data centers regularly upgrade and replace hardware (including servers, storage devices and networking equipment), which can generate e-waste. It can contain regulated substances, such as lead and mercury. Waste management practices must comply with federal laws, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as well as state and local laws.
- Hazardous waste: This refers to waste that poses a potential threat to human health or the environment due to its ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity. Examples of hazardous waste generated by data centers include batteries, fluorescent lamps, solvents and refrigerants. Data centers must comply with federal laws (such as RCRA), as well as state and local laws governing the generation, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste. Data centers also need to implement proper waste identification, segregation, labeling, storage and handling procedures, while maintaining records and reports.
Water use and consumption
Data centers rely on water for cooling and humidification, which can pose challenges for water availability, quality and conservation. Maintaining optimal water temperatures is critical for many air conditioning and liquid cooling systems. Data centers must comply with federal laws (such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act), as well as state and local laws regulating the use, treatment and discharge of water.
- Procurement: As part of development, data center owners should be aware of state and local laws governing water use, especially in regions where water is scarce, as data center operations often require the consumption of large quantities of water. Well permitting or water withdrawal licenses and limitations are critical to ensuring that operations have sufficient water resources for essential infrastructure, including cooling systems.
- Wastewater: Data center operators need to obtain and maintain the necessary permits, licenses and certifications, and monitor and report water discharge. Cooling towers may contact equipment, and regulated substances could be discharged along with wastewater. Some states also regulate discharges of non-contact cooling water.
- Water reuse: Systems use treated wastewater, rainwater or graywater, such as from sinks, showers or laundry, to cool the data center, reducing the need for freshwater sources. Water reuse and recycling systems can reduce water use by up to 80% and reduce wastewater discharge and associated costs. However, they may require additional treatment, storage and distribution systems, and may face regulatory or social barriers.
- Regulated substances: Depending on equipment onsite, data centers could store and use regulated substances that trigger environmental reporting or planning obligations, such as spill prevention measures and control plans or reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Other environmental issues
Constructing large data centers requires significant land, which may lead to habitat disruption and loss of biodiversity, especially if construction takes place in previously undeveloped areas. The construction process also can contribute to soil erosion, water pollution and other environmental impacts, and may require equipment that creates emissions. Accordingly, data centers must navigate a complex landscape of permits and regulatory approvals related to development. Such permits may include:
- Zoning and land use permits: Local governments typically require that the land be zoned for industrial or commercial use. Additionally, detailed site plans must be submitted and approved by local planning authorities.
- Environmental impact assessments: EIAs, or Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), are often required for large-scale developments. EIAs and EISs evaluate the potential impacts on local ecosystems, wildlife, water resources and air quality.
- Wetlands and water resource permits: If the site contains wetlands, streams or protected water resources, permits from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be required. State and local water resource agencies may also require permits.
- Endangered species and habitat protection: If the proposed site is home to endangered or threatened species, permits under the Endangered Species Act may be necessary and mitigation plans may be required to minimize or offset impacts on critical habitats.
- Air permits: Data centers could require permitting under state or federal law for equipment that emits regulated substances (for example, fossil fuel-powered generators).
Conclusion
Data centers are vital for the digital economy and society, but they also have significant environmental implications and responsibilities. Data centers need to be aware of and comply with the environmental laws and regulations that affect their waste management, water use and consumption, land use and other environmental issues, as well as the industry standards and best practices that guide their environmental performance and sustainability. Data centers can also adopt various technologies, practices and designs that can reduce their environmental impact and enhance their efficiency and competitiveness. By doing so, data centers can not only avoid legal and reputational risks but also create value and opportunities for their stakeholders and the environment.
