Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world’s largest provider of cloud and data center solutions, has announced a partnership with Ecolab (NYSE: ECL), a global leader in water, sanitation, and infection prevention solutions. Together, they will pilot an AI-powered water conservation solution across 35 of Digital Realty’s U.S. data centers, with the goal of improving water efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The project is implemented by Nalco Water, Ecolab’s water and process business unit, and aims to integrate advanced automation, AI, and machine learning models to detect and correct inefficiencies in real-time. This will primarily address the cooling systems of the data centers, a major water consumer. Through advanced data analysis, the system identifies operational inefficiencies and recommends improvements, ultimately reducing water use by up to 15%.
Innovative Approach to Water Efficiency
Ecolab’s AI-powered service combines automation and century-long expertise in water management to set measurable benchmarks for water consumption. Digital Realty, as an early adopter and key collaborator, is at the forefront of using this cutting-edge solution. Once fully implemented, the solution is expected to save up to half a billion liters of drinking water annually by reducing the amount withdrawn from local watersheds.
Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability at Digital Realty, commented:
“Collaborating with Ecolab on this AI-driven water conservation initiative aligns with our goals of improving water efficiency and reducing environmental impact. We are thrilled with the potential of this solution to set a new standard in data center water conservation.”
A Decade of Partnership and Success
This project builds on a successful decade-long collaboration between Digital Realty and Ecolab. Together, they have completed over 15 water conservation projects, including efforts that, in 2023 alone, reduced water withdrawal from local watersheds by 5% and avoided 986 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the partnership has helped reduce plastic waste disposal by 83% through an innovative chemical delivery service and solid chemical program.
Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, noted:
“AI is not only revolutionizing business but will also transform water and energy efficiency within the technology sector. We are proud to present innovative AI-powered water solutions with Digital Realty, demonstrating how next-generation technology can improve water management across industries.”
Commitment to Sustainability
This AI solution forms part of Digital Realty’s broader water conservation strategy, which has already yielded impressive results. The company’s recent 2023 ESG report highlighted a 14% reduction in water intensity compared to the previous year, reinforcing Digital Realty’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
Digital Realty is also expanding its use of AI technologies in other areas, such as its Apollo AI platform for energy efficiency, which has been deployed in the Asia-Pacific region. To date, this platform has identified opportunities for over 18 gigawatt-hours of energy savings, equivalent to the annual energy use of more than 1,600 American households.
Through its partnership with Ecolab, Digital Realty continues to lead the data center industry in adopting sustainable practices and leveraging advanced technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.
For more information on Digital Realty’s sustainability initiatives, download the latest version of the company’s annual ESG report.
