By Jacek Kostrzewski, Gleeds Polska managing director, board member
In 2022 the most popular generative AI was launched, dynamically changing the reality we live in. Two months from its release, it had over a hundred million active users.
After three years of public access to AI, there’s no doubt it has sparked a competitive race among the tech giants. It has also influenced data centres from a demand standpoint, as well as their design – with more advanced power and cooling strategies required to cope with larger compute workloads and greater rack density. This change also reached the construction sector with all its opportunities and challenges – especially those related to ESG.
AI influencing construction sector
The rapid growth of AI is driving up the demand for data centre infrastructure. The more advanced AI gets, the more computing power it needs. For construction teams it means an increase in the quantity of projects, with more aggressive schedules and heightened technical specifications. Construction teams are under growing pressure to deliver high-performance buildings faster than before. It puts standard construction management practices to the test and raises questions: how do we balance speed with quality, and performance with sustainability? Is the industry able to evolve quickly enough to keep pace with the demands of the digital age without compromising environmental responsibility?
Construction vs. sustainability
At every stage of the data centre lifecycle – from planning, through construction and operations to decommissioning, many environmental and social challenges occur.
Land location is one of the first. Without planning that carefully considers ESG requirements, projects can negatively impact sensitive ecosystems or local communities. Urban settings are less available and demand for low-latency, edge data centres (ones located near the users or devices it serves, often at the ‘edge’ of the network) is putting further strain on this availability There are also regions where water supply is insufficient or where the electrical grid is already struggling.
However, these challenges also open the door to more conscious decision-making. Brownfield sites with existing infrastructure (or even new ones) such as power, water, or fibre connectivity can reduce the environmental footprint and align better with long-term sustainability goals. Proximity to renewables or existing developments can support sustainability. A strategic, lifecycle-based approach to planning and construction can allow high-performance data infrastructure and sustainability to not only coexist, but to cooperate with each other.
The construction process is resource-intensive, and in the case of data centres, its impact is even more evident. Extensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, or advanced cooling technologies are required; meeting tight deadlines often pushes sustainability goals to the background.
Yet the industry is not without options. Modular construction, prefabricated elements, and circular materials are already reshaping how we approach efficiency and carbon reduction. On-site renewable installations and improved design integration offer further potential, but the challenge lies in embedding these strategies early, even under the pressure of tight schedules and budgets.
Once operational, the sustainability challenge shifts to energy and resource consumption. While energy efficiency technologies are advancing, overall consumption continues to rise. Water usage and waste-heat disposal usually remain under-addressed.
Achieving true balance between performance and sustainability, requires more than isolated fixes, it calls for a holistic strategy. A more integrated approach that considers long-term environmental impact, resilience and community value is essential for building data centres that support both digital growth and climate goals.
Is reducing the environmental impact of data centres real?
As the challenges become clear, there are encouraging examples of data centres that strive to minimise their environmental impact. In terms of energy, cloud providers are investing in on-site renewable power generation, dynamic load balancing, and AI-based energy optimisation. Some centres operate on green power purchase agreements (PPAs) in significant amounts, while others are experimenting with energy storage solutions such as battery energy storage systems, renewable energy integration and microgrids, to reduce grid reliance during peak demand.
Water efficiency is also improving. Some developers are replacing evaporative cooling with closed-loop or air-cooled systems, or designing facilities that operate without water entirely. Innovative heat reuse programmes are gaining traction in colder climates through redirecting excess heat to nearby residential or industrial buildings.
From a construction standpoint, modular design and prefabrication help reduce waste, speed up delivery, and improve resource efficiency. Using low-carbon materials, minimising excavation, and designing for disassembly and reuse are additional strategies gaining popularity among forward-thinking developers.
The key takeaway? Sustainability should guide design decisions, not limit them.
Creating the framework for responsible growth
The EU’s Green Deal, Fit for 55, and Energy Efficiency Directive aim to align digital growth with sustainability. Regulatory tools like the EU Taxonomy help define what counts as ‘sustainable’ infrastructure.
International standards such as ISO/IEC 30134 (resource efficiency metrics) and ISO 50001 (energy management) support benchmarking and sustainable operations.
There is a slide shift in certification systems to better address the unique needs of data centres. LEED, for example, has introduced a dedicated BD+C: Data centres category, with specific criteria for energy efficiency, water usage, and carbon footprint. This adaptation reflects the growing importance of aligning digital infrastructure with global sustainability goals.
As investors’ approach evolves, speed remains key, but there is a growing push to build better, not just faster. ESG reporting is becoming standard, with focus on carbon, water, and social impact. However, bearing in mind the macroeconomic changes or challenges in the world, which the EU has started to face recently, will probably influence the ESG strategies promoted so far.
Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to ensure digital infrastructure supports resilient, low-carbon communities.
The future of data centres? Not if, but how
The question is not whether digital infrastructure should expand – they should – it is how to do it responsibly. Data-centre growth is inevitable, driven by AI, cloud services, and global demand for connectivity. But the consequences of that growth depend on today’s choices and responsibility.
As technical advisors, we have been engaged in the realisation of over 4GW of IT capacity on over 100 data centre projects for regional and global providers across all major international markets. That is how we know that together with all players on the construction market,, we are in a unique position to shape this expansion responsibly. From site selection and material choices to operational energy strategy and stakeholder engagement, every decision matters. We can advocate for integrated approaches that prioritise long-term value over short-term gains and help clients navigate the complexities of building smarter, more resilient infrastructure.
There is a need to align digital ambition with environmental discipline-not in opposition, but in synergy. Sustainability should not be treated as a constraint, but as a foundation for innovation, risk management, and lasting impact. The future of digital infrastructure depends on our ability to deliver not just data, but to do so responsibility.
