By MICHAEL CIRCLE
The Data Group News Service
Equinix Inc., a major data center provider, is urging municipalities, utilities and heat network operators worldwide to join its "Heat Export" program that uses residual heat from data centers to warm nearby buildings and pools.
The company recovers excess heat generated at its International Business Exchange data centers and exports it to surrounding areas. It has implemented several such initiatives across Europe and the Americas in places like France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Canada.
Starting next month, Equinix plans to transfer heat from its newest Paris data center to the Plaine Saulnier development zone and the Olympic Aquatic Centre hosting 2024 Summer Olympics events. In Toronto, heat from one of its data centers is piped to residential buildings, a hotel, university and shopping mall through an energy partner's network.
"Our Heat Export program is one important way data centers can give back to their local communities," said Gary Aitkenhead, senior vice president of Equinix EMEA operations. "However, it is only possible through collaboration with energy providers, governments and other third-party enablers."
As part of its sustainability efforts, Equinix is seeking more partners to re-use operational heat "for the good of people and our planet," Aitkenhead said in a statement.
The company is investing in energy efficiency, renewables and heat export under its "Future First" strategy. It was the first data center operator to set a science-based target to reduce emissions across operations and its supply chain by 2030. It's also a founding member of the EU Climate Neutral Data Centre Operator Pact advocating for the industry to become climate neutral by 2030.
Learn more about Equinix Inc.’s “Heat Export” program by visiting "Help Us Heat Our Neighbors" - Equinix Makes Data Center Heat Available to Warm Nearby Buildings and Swimming Pools :: Equinix, Inc. (EQIX).
***
Want to stay in the know about Data Industry news? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Each Monday we will send out the top stories of the week straight to your inbox. Best part? It’s FREE, courtesy The Data Group News Service.
