Powering a Digital World with a Greener Vision
The data center industry is at a pivotal moment. As the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity, data centers consume an estimated 1-2% of the world’s electricity—a figure projected to soar with the rise of AI workloads. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. DataBank, a premier provider of colocation, interconnection, and managed services, is proving that massive digital infrastructure and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. With over 65 data centers spanning nearly 30 U.S. markets, DataBank is a standout in ECOBUSINESSNEWS’s ongoing series on sustainable data centers, driving innovation to meet skyrocketing demand while prioritizing renewable energy and cutting-edge infrastructure.
A Bold Commitment to Net-Zero
DataBank’s pledge to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 is more than a goal—it’s a roadmap reshaping the industry. Their sustainability efforts have earned them a place on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership Tech & Telecom Top 30 list for three consecutive years (2020-2022). In 2022 alone, they sourced nearly 190 million kilowatt-hours of green power, meeting 20% of their total electricity needs and 28% of direct utility-contracted consumption. Their MSP2 facility in Minneapolis, powered entirely by renewable energy since 2020, marked a historic milestone as the first multi-tenant data center to achieve this feat.
DataBank’s approach extends beyond energy procurement. They weave sustainability into the fabric of their operations, from energy-efficient facility designs to creative resource management. One striking example is their heat recycling program, where excess data center heat warms an adjacent office building—an ingenious way to maximize efficiency. “Our sustainability efforts reflect the expectations of our customers and investors to prioritize environmental impact,” says CEO Raul Martynek. This vision cements DataBank’s role as a leader in the green data center revolution.
Scaling Smart with Strategic Investments
The demand for data centers is surging, driven by AI, cloud services, and digital transformation. DataBank is meeting this challenge head-on with strategic expansion. In October 2024, they secured a landmark $2 billion equity raise, including $1.5 billion from AustralianSuper, the fund’s first foray into U.S. data centers. This investment is powering three new campuses in Texas, Virginia, and Georgia, designed to serve hyperscale clients with robust, future-proof infrastructure. Their May 2025 acquisition of the EWR2 data center in Piscataway, New Jersey, further strengthens their portfolio, shifting from leased to owned properties for greater control and reliability.
DataBank’s partnership with Siemens is a cornerstone of their growth strategy. Siemens’ modular medium-voltage skid solutions, featuring gas-insulated switchgear and transformers, accelerate construction while enhancing energy efficiency. “These innovations allow companies like DataBank to build faster and more sustainably,” says Brian Dula, Region CEO at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA. With AI workloads projected to drive a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030, according to industry analysts, DataBank’s scalable, efficient infrastructure is perfectly timed.
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Renewable Energy at the Core
Renewable energy is the heartbeat of DataBank’s sustainability strategy. Their 100% renewable energy achievement in multiple markets, recognized by the EPA in 2020, set a new standard for multi-tenant data centers. By leveraging Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), DataBank has significantly scaled its green energy footprint, with 190 million kWh of green power procured in 2022 alone.
To tackle the intermittency of renewables, DataBank is innovating with localized solutions. They’re exploring onsite solar farms to reduce grid strain during peak hours and adopting advanced cooling technologies to address the 35-40% of energy consumed by cooling systems. These efforts mirror industry leaders’ push for 24/7 clean PPAs, ensuring energy demand aligns with renewable generation in real time. DataBank’s proactive stance positions them to meet both environmental goals and the relentless uptime demands of their clients.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The data center sector faces steep hurdles: escalating energy costs, grid capacity limits, and regulatory complexities. The International Energy Agency forecasts a 200 TWh annual increase in data center energy use through 2030, fueled by AI’s rapid growth. Grid connection delays, often stretching 5-10 years, and supply chain constraints add further pressure. DataBank navigates these challenges with strategic foresight, selecting sites with access to reliable power and investing in backup systems to ensure 99.999% uptime.
Their use of predictive analytics and automation optimizes energy consumption, minimizing waste without compromising performance. The EWR2 acquisition exemplifies their long-term thinking, reducing reliance on leased properties and stabilizing operations in volatile energy markets. By blending operational excellence with innovative partnerships, DataBank is turning challenges into opportunities.
Setting the Industry Standard
DataBank’s comprehensive approach—melding renewable energy, modular infrastructure, and operational efficiency—offers a model for the data center industry. Their new Texas campus, tailored for hyperscale AI workloads, incorporates energy-efficient designs from inception, setting a precedent for sustainable scalability. Their transparency, through detailed sustainability reports on carbon intensity and renewable energy metrics, builds trust with clients and investors prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
By balancing rapid growth with a steadfast commitment to net-zero, DataBank proves that digital infrastructure can thrive without sacrificing the planet. Their innovations, from heat recycling to modular skids, provide practical solutions for an industry at a crossroads.
Looking Ahead
As the digital economy accelerates, DataBank is redefining the role of data centers in a sustainable world. Their net-zero ambition, fueled by strategic investments and pioneering partnerships, positions them as a beacon of progress. ECOBUSINESSNEWS applauds DataBank’s leadership in addressing the energy challenges of a digital-first future. As they continue to innovate—whether through renewable energy breakthroughs or infrastructure advancements—their impact will resonate across the industry, inspiring peers to follow suit.
This article is part of ECOBUSINESSNEWS’s series on sustainable data centers, spotlighting innovators driving environmental progress in digital infrastructure.
