As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services continues to surge, data centres have become critical infrastructure underpinning modern economies. Recognising both their economic importance and their environmental impact, Scotland’s energy sector has introduced the Delivering Green Data Centres in Scotland Charter (the "Charter"), setting out a vision for how future developments can support digital innovation while advancing Scotland’s net zero goals.
In this blog, we explore the five key principles at the heart of the Charter and consider how they are intended to shape the next generation of sustainable data centre development across Scotland.
Renewable energy and low-carbon power opportunities
Central to the Charter is a commitment to powering data centres with renewable energy. Scotland’s abundance of natural resources presents a major opportunity for operators seeking sustainable locations. With grid constraints currently limiting the export of some renewable electricity to other parts of Scotland, locating energy intensive infrastructure such as data centres closer to sources of renewable generation could help utilise this surplus clean power more effectively, reducing curtailment costs and supporting a more efficient transition to a low carbon energy system.
Driving energy efficiency through sustainable design and innovation
Energy efficiency is another key focus. The Charter calls for new facilities to be designed to the highest performance standards, meeting Building (Scotland) Regulations and securing Energy Performance Certificates on completion. Operators are also encouraged to adopt a long-term approach to energy management, using continuous monitoring and measurable improvement targets to drive efficiency throughout a facility’s lifecycle. Modern technologies, including advanced cooling systems and heat recovery solutions, can significantly reduce environmental impacts while improving operational performance.
Sustainable water management and resource planning
Water management is a key pillar of the Charter, particularly as the rapid growth of AI has sparked concerns about the resource demands of data centres. Recent reports have suggested that data centres supporting AI in Scotland consume enough water each year to fill 27 million half-litre bottles. Conversely, according to figures recently published by Scottish Water, the 13 data centres currently operating across Scotland use an average of around 97 cubic metres of water per day. This represents just 0.006% of the 1.6 to 1.8 billion litres of water supplied daily to homes and businesses across the country. In fact, when compared with other sectors, data centre water consumption remains relatively modest, with Scotland's libraries collectively using more water than the nation's data centres.
Nonetheless, as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, the Charter encourages operators to take a responsible approach to water management. This includes selecting sites with sustainable water availability and adopting water-efficient technologies, such as closed-loop cooling systems that recycle and reuse water rather than relying on constant withdrawals from local supplies. By combining careful planning with innovative design, Scotland can support the growth of its digital economy while ensuring water resources are managed sustainably for the long term.
Harnessing waste heat for district heat networks
By designing facilities to be “district heat ready”, operators can capture and reuse waste heat from servers, supplying nearby homes, businesses and public buildings. This approach can reduce energy waste while providing a valuable low carbon heat source for surrounding communities.
Delivering community benefits and economic growth
Alongside creating jobs and skills opportunities, new data centre developments are expected to support local supply chains, attract investment and contribute to regional economic growth. The aim is to ensure that Scotland’s digital infrastructure expansion delivers tangible benefits not only for the technology sector, but also for the communities that host it.
Scotland's ambition to become a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure will depend on getting the balance between growth and sustainability right. Although the Charter is voluntary, it provides a practical roadmap for ensuring that the data centres powering tomorrow's digital economy also help deliver a more sustainable future.
How we can help
Our Energy team advises developers, operators, investors and landowners on the legal and regulatory considerations involved in data centre and renewable energy projects across Scotland. As the sector continues to grow, early legal input can help ensure developments are structured in a way that supports both commercial objectives and Scotland’s wider sustainability ambitions.
If you have any queries about data centre development, renewable energy opportunities or the Delivering Green Data Centres in Scotland Charter, please contact Katie Primrose-Rourke
or a member of our Energy team.