European data centre operator Data4, together with APL Data Center, a French consultancy specialising in data centre design and engineering, have unveiled the world’s first document to provide a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of data centres. By publishing a comprehensive environmental profile of one of its 5 MW facilities, based on a recognised scientific reference methodology, Data4 is taking a decisive step toward greater transparency and a more sustainable digital future, while encouraging the entire ecosystem to adopt more rigorous methods for measuring environmental impact.
As AI-driven solutions continue to expand rapidly and data centre projects grow in scale worldwide, the question of their environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly critical. Public debate often simplifies this issue to a limited set of indicators; however, this comprehensive study demonstrates that the true impact of data centres must be understood far more broadly – across their entire life cycle, design choices, and long-term resource management.
The document, “Data Centres: Measuring Impacts for More Effective Actions,” reveals that the greatest opportunities for improvement lie in areas that have so far been underestimated, such as the selection of construction materials and energy sources. Conducted in accordance with international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, the study measures environmental footprint across the full life cycle of a facility – from raw material extraction and construction to operation and eventual dismantling.
The findings (excluding servers) carry major implications for the data centre sector. They show that the production of equipment and materials (including concrete and steel) accounts for 39 percent of the total carbon footprint calculated over a 20-year horizon – i.e., cumulative emissions over two decades of operation – almost matching the impact of operational emissions (48 percent). The study also indicates that direct water consumption at the analysed data centre is minimal (below 0.1 percent), while the main impact on water resources is indirect and linked to electricity generation. These scientific results validate Data4’s strategy: prioritising low-carbon energy sources, designing for reduced CO₂ emissions, and deploying advanced cooling technologies are among the most effective ways to reduce the overall environmental footprint of digital infrastructure.
“This analysis embodies a core conviction: we can only improve what we truly understand – and therefore what we measure comprehensively. As a European leader, we have a responsibility to move from fragmented perspectives to a complete, scientific understanding of our impact,” said Linda Lescuyer, Head of Environment & Innovation at Data4. “We are publishing this document transparently not only to guide our own sustainable design actions, but also to encourage the entire industry to move beyond standard metrics. A sustainable digital future is not just a statement – it must be built step by step, on a scientific foundation. This is a call for collective action across the ecosystem.”
“The data centre industry faces a growing imperative: controlling its environmental footprint. As experts in data centres, simulation and energy optimisation, we know that a rigorous approach – combining life-cycle assessment (LCA) and detailed carbon footprint analysis – is essential to identify effective levers for action. This work allows us to move beyond declarative approaches and place environmental performance at the heart of design decisions. In this context, partnerships such as the one with Data4 are crucial for pooling expertise and jointly developing more sustainable and resilient infrastructures capable of meeting today’s challenges,” added Thomas Martin, Deputy CTO and Head of Sustainability & Innovation at APL Data Center.
The new white paper forms part of Data4’s “Data4Good” programme, under which concrete measures have already been implemented, including the use of low-carbon concrete, renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), and the design of water-free cooling systems that are 25 times more efficient than the market average.
Significance for the Polish Data Centre Market
The publication of the white paper by Data4 and APL Data Center is also highly relevant for Poland, which has become one of the fastest-growing data centre markets in Central and Eastern Europe in recent years. Rapid growth in digital investment, increasing demand from business and public administration, and the development of cloud and AI technologies mean that responsible environmental practices and local impact considerations are becoming increasingly important at the national level. A comprehensive life-cycle approach to data centre assessment establishes a new benchmark for projects in the region and supports more informed investment, design, and regulatory decisions.
“Poland is at a pivotal moment in the development of our sector. We are investing in modern digital infrastructure that must be efficient, secure, and environmentally responsible at the same time. The results of this analysis clearly show that responsible data centre development requires a much broader, holistic perspective. This is an important signal for the entire industry in our region: only a full, scientific approach to measuring environmental impact will allow us to build a truly sustainable digital future,” emphasised Adam Ponichtera, Managing Director of Data4 Poland.
