• 09 May 2025, 07:07 AM

Category Archives: ESG

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Sustainability and Data Storage: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Last week, we were proud to host a Sustainability Summit alongside the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce at our state-of-the-art DSM ESG Data Centre. Bringing together local businesses, sustainability advocates, and technology leaders, the event sparked important conversations around the intersection of environmental responsibility and digital infrastructure.

As businesses across every sector move increasingly into the digital world, sustainable data storage and management are becoming critical. It’s no longer enough to ask how your data is protected — it’s also time to ask at what environmental cost?

Why Sustainable Data Centres Matter

Data centres are essential for modern business operations, but traditional facilities can be enormous consumers of energy and water. Globally, data centres account for approximately 1–2% of all electricity use, and with data consumption only increasing, that figure is set to rise.

Choosing a data partner committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles helps businesses:

  • Reduce their carbon footprint
  • Meet sustainability targets and regulatory requirements
  • Demonstrate responsible supply chain management to stakeholders
  • Drive positive change across industries

At the Summit, it was clear: businesses want to be part of the solution. But not all data centres are created equal.

DSM’s ESG Data Centre: Leading the Way

At DSM Group, sustainability is not an afterthought — it’s built into our DNA. Our ESG Data Centre, located in Cambridgeshire, has been developed from the ground up to minimise environmental impact without compromising performance, security, or reliability.

Here’s how we do it differently:

  • Onsite Cooling Lake: Naturally cools equipment without relying solely on energy-intensive mechanical cooling, significantly reducing power usage.
  • Water-Cooled Racks: Our cutting-edge cooling technology improves energy efficiency and extends equipment life.
  • 200kW Solar Farm: Our own solar installation powers a large portion of our operation, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering carbon emissions.
  • Nature Reserve: We’re actively rewilding land around the site, supporting local biodiversity, and ensuring that the land we operate on gives back more than it takes.
  • Sustainability First Design: From construction materials to waste management, every aspect of our facility has been engineered with ESG principles in mind.
  • ISO 27001:2022 Accredited: Security is never compromised — we’re certified to the latest international standards for information security.

When you’re selecting a data storage or backup partner, look beyond the price tag. Consider their:

  • Energy sources and consumption
  • Cooling methods
  • Carbon reduction commitments
  • Social responsibility initiatives
  • Governance and security practices

Partnering with an ESG-driven provider like DSM allows you to safeguard your data and your sustainability credentials at the same time.

Chamber Members Offer: 20% Off Data Backup for 12 Months

As a thank you to everyone who attended the Sustainability Summit — and to support local businesses committed to sustainable growth — we’re delighted to offer Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce members 20% off data backup services for the first 12 months when signing up as a new customer.

Our data backup services offer:

  • Fully UK-based storage
  • 24/7 support
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Flexible, scalable solutions to fit businesses of all sizes

Secure your data. Support the planet. Save money.
Contact us today to find out more and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

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How ESG is Transforming the Data Centre Industry

As both businesses and consumers become more aware of environmental impacts, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are reshaping the data centre industry. Data centres, traditionally characterised by high energy demands, are evolving through sustainable practices that address environmental impacts, improve operational efficiency, and meet corporate responsibility standards. This transformation is not only about reducing carbon footprints; it’s a competitive advantage as clients increasingly look for eco-friendly partners that align with their values.

The Importance of ESG in Data Centres

Integrating ESG in data centres goes beyond simple energy reduction—it’s about building efficient, responsible, and forward-looking facilities that serve both current and future needs. Here’s a breakdown of how each ESG component is changing data centre operations.

Environmental Impact
Data centres consume significant energy, especially for cooling. New technologies, such as liquid and immersive cooling, have emerged to reduce this impact, dramatically cutting down power consumption and allowing facilities to scale more sustainably. Centres are also shifting to renewable energy sources, implementing on-site solar panels or leveraging green energy from grid providers. These innovations not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to lower operational costs, strengthening the centre’s environmental performance.

Social Responsibility
ESG-centred data centres are increasingly focused on social initiatives, such as community engagement, fair employment practices, and employee well-being. Many data centres are partnering with local organisations and educational institutions to create jobs and promote tech skills in their communities. Internally, they’re adopting safe, inclusive practices and supporting professional development, all of which contribute to a more socially responsible operational model.

Governance and Compliance
Strong governance ensures that data centres operate transparently, with clear data management, risk mitigation, and compliance structures. By adopting comprehensive governance models, centres can meet various regulatory and industry standards (such as ISO certifications), showing commitment to accountability and risk management. This aspect of ESG not only fosters trust with clients but also strengthens relationships with stakeholders.

Competitive Advantages of ESG Data Centres

  1. Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings
    Adopting green technologies and renewable energy sources contributes to lower energy costs and improved efficiency. Reduced dependency on traditional energy sources means more resilience against future energy price fluctuations, a crucial consideration for long-term financial planning.
  2. Attracting Eco-Conscious Clients
    Companies are increasingly mindful of sustainability when choosing data partners. By prioritising ESG, data centres can attract clients looking to align with responsible, eco-friendly operators, strengthening their competitive edge in the market.
  3. Regulatory Preparedness and Compliance
    Meeting and exceeding ESG standards prepares data centres for future environmental regulations, reducing the risk of fines and setting them up for long-term success in a regulatory landscape that prioritises sustainability.
  4. Enhanced Brand Reputation and Stakeholder Trust
    A strong ESG commitment elevates a data centre’s brand reputation, appealing to both investors and the public. Companies with solid ESG frameworks are generally viewed as forward-thinking and responsible, increasing stakeholder trust and engagement.

Moving Towards a Sustainable Future

Adopting ESG practices isn’t just about reducing costs or meeting compliance requirements; it’s about fostering a sustainable, resilient future for the data centre industry. By integrating sustainable technologies, prioritising social and governance standards, and positioning themselves as eco-conscious leaders, data centres can thrive in an era where sustainability is paramount.