Data Centre Sustainability: The Time is Now

As we look towards 2030 and beyond, Australian data centres have enormous growth potential. However, alongside that potential comes growing energy demands, with data centres predicted to use as much as 8-15 per cent of the nation’s electricity grid by 2030 [1]

Traditionally, data centres have struggled with measuring and[ tracking their environmental impact, making sustainability improvements challenging. But, as consultation continues for the potential expansion of the Australian Government’s Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Program, and investors seek protection against increasing ESG risks, energy efficiency reporting may soon become a requirement, rather than a bonus.

That’s why NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is helping simplify sustainability reporting and energy efficiency measures for Australian data centres. With a temporary $8,000 data centres starters grant available for initial NABERS Energy rating assessments, now is the time to future proof your data centre for long term success.

How does NABERS work with data centres?

NABERS is a national government initiative providing certified sustainability ratings to support the efficiency of buildings across Australia. NABERS ratings are simple, reliable and trusted, helping building owners and managers accurately track, measure and optimise the environmental performance of their facilities.

A NABERS Energy rating for data centres can be used to identify areas for operational improvements and cost savings, as well as promote environmental credentials to help a facility stand out, win business and future-proof investment from high value clients. It also makes reporting and compliance easier thanks to simplified data tracking and a transparent and standardised power use effectiveness (PUE) calculation.

To ensure fair, consistent and transparent comparison, NABERS Accredited Assessors consider factors that are unique to data centre facilities, such as energy use for IT equipment, air conditioning, ventilation and process cooling, in-rack fans and fuel for back-up generators. NABERS provides a rating from one to six stars, indicating the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a facility’s operations, based on its PUE.

Assessors can also provide tailored sustainability advice to help cut costs immediately, as well as implement longer term strategies to optimise operations and improve future ratings.

NABERS ratings for data centres provide an indication of the operational energy efficiency based on actual operational performance of a facility.

How do NABERS ratings benefit data centres?

A NABERS Energy rating helps data centre owners and managers get to know their operations, make immediate improvements, cut costs, track energy use and build a long-term sustainability strategy. As Australia’s longest running and most successful building decarbonisation and sustainability initiative, a NABERS Energy rating for data centres also creates credible assurance via third party certification, helping data centres attract investment in a competitive landscape.

In fact, a NABERS Energy rating for data centres supports future proofed facilities in several ways:

● Reduced energy and operational costs
● Improved energy efficiency
● Simplified data tracking
● Faster sustainability reporting

• Certified, comparable operational performance measurement

Latest figures from the NABERS Annual Report 2022-2023 shows that NABERS customers demonstrated an average 30-40% reduction on energy costs after 10 years of ratings. By implementing practices such as adequate metering, onsite monitoring and optimised HVAC systems and controls, the average energy cost saving was $2,226,000 per annum when a data centre improved its NABERS Energy rating from three to five stars. [2]

“The NABERS rating for data centres is the only type of operational standard which can be taken to the bank from a sustainability perspective. The rating tool makes life much easier, faster and efficient from a time management perspective. Both the rating itself and the rating tool is brilliant, resulting in a true win-win for all stakeholders.”
– Bob Sharon, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, BlueIoT

Don’t miss the Data Centres Starters grant program

With support from the Commonwealth Government, NABERS is offering a temporary grant designed to support data centres anywhere in Australia to measure and improve their environmental performance. Under the grant program, eligible applicants will receive $8,000 (excluding GST) per building towards associated NABERS Energy rating fees for their first baseline rating, an energy action plan and a second rating to validate any improvements.

Over the last 25 years, the NABERS rating system has driven significant financial growth and returns across building sectors. That’s how we know environmentally friendly buildings are not only better for people and the planet; they’re also better for the bottom lines of Australian businesses.