Data Centers have often gained a reputation for being major consumers of water due to their cooling systems, which are critical for maintaining optimal operating temperatures for servers. However, at LuxConnect, we take a different approach. By prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, we are proud to demonstrate that Data Centers can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising performance.
For the year 2023, LuxConnect achieved an impressive average Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.206 liters of water to generate 1 kWh of energy (l/kWh). This figure stands in contrast to the typical WUE of 1.8 l/kWh seen across the Data Center industry. Moreover, our current water efficiency surpasses the ambitious target set by the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, which aims for a WUE of 0.4 l/kWh by 2040.
But what exactly is WUE, and why does it matter? Water Usage Effectiveness is a key indicator of how efficiently a Data Center uses water in its operations. Lower WUE values represent more sustainable practices, as they indicate reduced water consumption relative to energy use. Given the global push toward greener, more environmentally responsible practices, WUE has become a crucial benchmark for Data Center operators.
At LuxConnect, our success in achieving such a low WUE is largely attributed to the innovative cooling technologies we have implemented in our facilities. In DC1.3 and DC2, we have replaced traditional chillers that rely on hybrid towers and cold-water production with “dry chillers”. Unlike conventional systems, dry chillers utilize air rather than water for cooling, significantly cutting down our water usage while maintaining high energy efficiency.
This commitment to sustainability reflects LuxConnect’s broader mission to lead the way in responsible Data Center management. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and surpassing industry standards, we demonstrate that it is possible to meet the growing demand for data processing and storage while protecting valuable resources such as water.
As we continue to innovate and implement sustainable practices, we aim to set an example for the entire Data Center industry. By embracing these solutions, we believe that others can also move toward a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.