Switch Datacenters expands sustainability and capacity plans in Europe

Switch Datacenters, a provider of high-density data centre facilities across Europe, has outlined its sustainability activities in its 2025 Sustainability Report, including reductions in water consumption, stakeholder collaboration initiatives such as green residual heat exchange networks, and its stated ambition to achieve a net-positive environmental impact by 2040.

The report includes plans for six new builds, with the aim of expanding operational capacity to over 1GW while seeking to minimise environmental impact. Switch Datacenters notes that its growth strategy is aligned with supporting local societies and economies.

A key element of the company’s approach is integration with local communities and value chains through collaboration with municipalities, grid operators, and other stakeholders at early planning stages. One example is its work with the Municipality of Diemen on developing a district heating network using residual heat from AMS4, one of its three operational Amsterdam-based facilities.

The report also presents several ESG-related performance metrics:

• Water efficiency: AMS3 recorded a 41% reduction in water withdrawal, from 45,655 m³ in 2024 to 27,041 m³ in 2025, reflecting improved efficiency and a shift toward lower-water systems.
• Power usage effectiveness: Some sites operate with ultra-low PUE levels, with averages as low as 1.17, indicating operational efficiency.
• Renewable energy use: The company reports the elimination of market-based Scope 2 emissions through sourcing 100% renewable electricity locally.

Waste management: In 2024, non-hazardous waste diversion rates exceeded 97%, reflecting high levels of material recovery.

Switch Datacenters states that it views sustainability as an integrated part of its business strategy, contributing to long-term resilience and value creation amid increasing scrutiny of energy use and environmental impact in the data centre sector.