Sustainable IT Practices in Data Center Management

Abstract

Data centers are at the core of today’s digital infrastructure but contribute significantly to global energy consumption and environmental degradation. This paper explores sustainable IT practices in data center management through a combined doctrinal and non-doctrinal research approach. Doctrinally, it analyses regulatory frameworks, corporate policies, and international sustainability standards such as the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact. Non-doctrinally, it evaluates empirical data from 2023–2025, including global electricity usage, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), renewable energy adoption rates, and cooling innovations by tech giants like Google and AWS. Findings reveal a growing shift toward energy efficiency and carbon neutrality, with many firms investing heavily in clean energy and automation technologies. For example, global data centers consumed approximately 415 TWh in 2024, with projections nearing 945 TWh by 2030, driven by AI and cloud expansion. Strategies like server virtualization, immersion cooling, and DCIM systems have shown up to 74% energy savings potential. Despite progress, challenges remain in water management, infrastructure delays, and grid dependency. The study concludes by recommending integrated energy-water strategies, advanced cooling technologies, and policy-industry cooperation to ensure future-ready, sustainable data infrastructure.