How Logistics Companies Are Leading The Way In Data Centre Relocation

In the age of digital transformation, data centres have become a part of everyday life. These facilities, housing servers and networking equipment, are essential for storing and processing vast amounts of data. However, with 1% of global electricity usage and between 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from data centres, the environmental impact of data centres is drawing increasing concern. This is where logistics companies are stepping in, to revolutionise the way data centres are relocated and managed, driving a new era of sustainable tech infrastructure. 

The challenge:

Data centre relocation is a complex and resource-intensive process, involving the careful dismantling, transportation, and reassembly of costly equipment. Traditionally, this has been a daunting task for tech companies and businesses that operate these facilities, often leading to a significant environmental impact. However, more and more companies are choosing to relocate their operations to the likes of Africa, the Nordics, and the Middle East for their natural resources to power, to heat and cool the data centres. This is due to the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact which states that under the Self-Regulatory Initiative, data centre electricity demand will be matched by 85% renewable energy or hourly carbon-free energy by December 31, 2025, and 100% by December 31, 2030. 

This is where logistics comes in. Traditionally responsible for the efficient movement of goods and services, logistics companies have recognised the unique opportunity to leverage their expertise in sustainability. Logisticians are able to streamline the physical movement of data centre relocations, while also pioneering sustainable practices that benefit the environment, and the customer’s bottom line.

So, what are logistics companies doing to streamline sustainability? 

1. Energy efficiency: 

   One of the key contributions that logistics companies provide to sustainable data centre relocation is through optimisation of transportation methods. The world’s data centres already represent 1 percent of the world’s electricity use - therefore it’s vital to employ energy-efficient and eco-friendly modes of transport, such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which reduce carbon emissions during the relocation process.

2. Eco-friendly packaging: 

   The average full-scale data centre is 100,000 square feet in size and runs around 100,000 servers - that’s a lot of packaging. To minimise waste and environmental impact, logistics companies are developing eco-friendly packaging alternatives. This includes reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, which reduce the need for single-use plastics and other harmful packaging materials. 

3. Renewable energy integration: 

   Often known for gas guzzling, logistics companies are now exploring greener energy solutions for data relocation. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable energy sources are being integrated into the logistics process, reducing the carbon footprint associated with data centre relocation.

4. Resource allocation: 

   We are experts in supply chain management. Using this expertise, logistics companies are optimising the allocation of resources, making the data relocation process more efficient, and reducing waste and excess energy consumption. 

5. Collaboration with tech companies: 

   A huge part of reducing the carbon footprint of data centres is collaborating with tech companies such as Google and Facebook, who own a large share of the data centres. These tech giants have set ambitious sustainability goals, for example Google aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. To achieve these objectives they are partnering with logistics experts. Partnerships are a very powerful force in driving sustainable data centre practices forward. 

As the world becomes more interconnected and data-driven, the need for efficient and sustainable data centres has never been more critical.

Logistics companies are at the forefront of this transformative movement, leveraging their expertise in transportation, resource management, and sustainability to streamline the relocation of data centres.

By making the shift towards eco-friendly data centre operations, businesses are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also reaping the benefits of cost savings and improved scalability.

It's a win-win situation that paves the way for a more sustainable digital future.

If you'd like to learn more about SEKO's data centre relocation capabilities, please reach out to a member of the team.