Microsoft announces new initiative for more sustainable data centers

Microsoft announced the launch of its new "Community-Driven AI Infrastructure" initiative, outlining a series of five key commitments focused on responsibly building and operating data centers. In the meantime, the company continues to expand its AI infrastructure, reports esgtoday.com.

"The new plan commits the company to concrete steps needed to be a good neighbor in the communities where we build, own and operate our data centers. It reflects our sense of civic responsibility as well as a broad and long-term vision of what it takes to run a successful business with artificial intelligence infrastructure," commented Microsoft President Brad Smith.

Like major construction projects of the past, AI infrastructure is expensive and complex. Investments are moving at a rapid pace. Today, they require massive private sector spending on land, construction, electricity, liquid cooling, high-speed connectivity, and operations.

"This revives a long-standing question: How can our nation build transformative infrastructure in a way that strengthens, rather than burdens, the local communities where it takes root?" Smith explains.

Energy consumption

Among the key commitments included in the new initiative is Microsoft's promise to ensure that its data centers do not result in increased electricity prices for local communities.

Steps outlined by the company to achieve this commitment include asking utilities to set rates high enough to cover the cost of electricity for data centers, collaborating with local utilities to add electricity and supporting infrastructure to the grid when needed.

Last but not least, there are innovations that can make the company's data centers more efficient, as well as advocacy for public policies to support communities with affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Water consumption

The initiative also includes a commitment from Microsoft to minimize water consumption and replenish more water than it uses.

Initiatives detailed by the company to deliver on this commitment include leveraging new technologies to address water consumption in data centers for cooling, collaborating with local utilities to understand whether current systems can support the additional demand associated with data center growth, partnering with utilities to map water, wastewater, and pressure needs, funding infrastructure, and investing in and implementing recharge projects to increase local usable water supplies.

Additional commitments outlined in Microsoft's new initiative include promises to create jobs for residents, increase the tax base for local hospitals, schools, parks and libraries, and invest in local artificial intelligence training and nonprofits.

"Major investments in AI are accelerating just as concerns about data centers in local communities are growing. The pattern is familiar. Whether it's canals, railroads, the electric grid, or the interstate highway system, each era has created its own conflicts over who bears the burden of progress. One enduring lesson is that successful infrastructure construction will only progress when communities feel the benefits outweigh the costs. Long-term success requires a commitment to addressing public needs, including from the private companies making these investments," Smith said.