CBRE: How AI Can Help Data Centres be More Sustainable
The global push toward digitisation has created demand for data processing capabilities, placing data centres in the middle of modern economic infrastructure.
Data centres have experienced exponential growth in recent years as AI applications proliferate across industries.
However, this expansion occurs against increasing climate urgency, with businesses under mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously scaling operations.
Now, the tension between digital advancement and environmental responsibility has created a challenging dilemma for the technology sector, particularly as energy-intensive AI workloads become mainstream.
CBRE argues these digital infrastructure facilities can transform from climate liability to sustainability asset despite growing demand from AI workloads.
It has identified strategic approaches that allow data centres to contribute positively to energy systems while supporting the expansion of digital services.
Data centres delivering environmental benefits
Despite its substantial energy requirements, CBRE identifies several environmental benefits provided by data centres.
They enable remote working, which reduces commuting-related emissions and support digital content delivery that lowers the carbon footprint associated with physical media production and transportation.
“The increased resource demand associated with AI may contribute to the perception that AI and data centres are at odds with sustainability goals,” says CBRE in its Data Centers, AI and Sustainability: Navigating the Carbon Paradox report.
“However, it is important to recognise the significant energy and carbon emissions reduction benefits that this technology can provide.”
CBRE emphasises the need for a more balanced assessment: “By weighing the inputs against the benefits, a more nuanced, holistic view of the advantages of leveraging technology emerges.
“This shift could help reframe the perception of AI and data centers to acknowledge their potential contributions.”
CBRE’s strategies for energy savings
CBRE outlines three strategies for achieving net energy savings from data centre operations.
Facility electricity consumption optimisation
The first involves facility electricity consumption optimisation.
AI-driven systems can reduce energy use by analysing real-time data including energy usage patterns, weather forecasts and occupancy levels to schedule operations during periods of abundant clean energy.
Smart grid integration
The second strategy focuses on smart grid integration.
Smart grids are electricity networks that use digital technology to monitor and manage electricity flow.
By connecting to these networks, data centres can predict grid behaviour, balance loads and prioritise renewable energy sources.
This integration allows data centres to function as ‘prosumers’ – entities that both consume and produce energy - by feeding excess energy or repurposed waste heat back into the grid. This dual role supports grid resilience and accelerates renewable energy adoption.
Strategic colocation and heat reuse
The third approach involves strategic colocation and heat reuse.
AI workloads often tolerate higher network latency, the delay before data transfer begins, allowing data centres to be located in regions with abundant renewable energy or district heating systems that can use waste heat.
For example, a data centre in Sweden powered by low-carbon electricity and connected to district heating infrastructure can emit up to 40 times less CO₂ than a comparable facility in Singapore.
Robert Bernard, Chief Sustainability Officer at CBRE, says: “The potential return is remarkable.
“Our analysis shows that these strategies can deliver massive energy and carbon savings that far outweigh the resources invested. This isn't just good for our planet – it's smart business.”
He adds: “When we design these data centres thoughtfully and intentionally, these facilities can become active participants in the green economy.”
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