World Zero Emissions Day, observed annually on September 21st, is a critical reminder of our responsibility to protect and care for our environment. The initiative encourages everyone to avoid using energy generated by fossil fuels for a day, raising awareness of the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions and championing alternative energy sources.
At Vertiv, we understand the significant impact of the data center industry on global energy, especially on Zero Emissions Day. Data centers consume about 1.5% of global energy, a figure set to double with artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) growth. The urgency to prioritize responsible business practices in the data center industry has never been greater.
Our One Vertiv, One World (see Figure 1) plan drives our environmental stewardship efforts by developing solutions that help our customers achieve their operational goals. With our 27,000 associates, we are innovating to offer energy- and water-efficient products, such as chilled water systems and liquid cooling for data centers, to reduce carbon footprints and environmental impact.
One Vertiv One World: Efficient digital infrastructure
The Efficient Products and Systems pillar of the One Vertiv, One World plan is central to our mission, especially on Zero Emissions Day. We aim to design, manufacture, install, and maintain critical infrastructure that optimizes energy, water, carbon, and waste efficiency, driving the transition to alternative energy sources.
Figure 1. Vertiv’s One Vertiv, One World plan is how we intend to advance the principles of environmental stewardship, foster a safe, inclusive, and engaged workplace, and conduct our business in a responsible way.
Thermal management
Vertiv's high-density solutions offer liquid cooling for data centers, with or without chilled water systems onsite. The Vertiv™ XDM, a split indoor chiller featuring integrated pumped refrigerant economization, can be paired with the Vertiv™ DCD chilled-water rear door heat exchanger. Compatible with air-cooled Vertiv™ DSE units, this high-density cooling technology offers flexibility for a tailored cooling approach, supporting data center owners in achieving their efficiency goals.
Vertiv™ AFC uses a new low-GWP refrigerant to cut carbon emissions and minimize the data center's carbon footprint. Equipped with an inverter-driven compressor and optimized free cooling coils, this solution sets new efficiency standards for chilled water systems, leveraging leading technologies to optimize performance.
Critical power
Our critical power solutions can reach operating efficiencies as high as 99% by smartly adjusting to input power situations. With its new-generation architecture, Vertiv™ Trinergy™ Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can reduce heat dissipation, minimize air conditioning, and boost the system's efficiency. This is crucial for maintaining critical infrastructure reliability, especially in an HPC data center environment.
Fuel cells, a power generation technology that uses the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, can replace traditional generators. Our UPSs, like the Vertiv™ EXL S1 UPS, allow fuel cell integration, offering low-carbon and high-efficiency energy backup solutions. Additionally, the Vertiv™ DynaFlex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) allows efficient integration of renewable sources like solar and wind, providing dynamic grid support and enabling effective management of energy demand and storage.
Leading with responsibility
The responsible operations pillar of the One Vertiv, One World plan emphasizes process and program implementation to reduce energy use and limit carbon and waste footprints. By continuously enhancing our facilities and operational processes, we track vital metrics such as carbon emissions, energy use, and waste management to drive efficiency and environmental impact reduction.
The Vertiv Operating System educates and empowers employees to identify and eliminate waste, supporting the establishment of a comprehensive baseline of our global environmental footprint. Environmental management systems, aligned with ISO standards, are integrated across our manufacturing facilities, with many sites achieving ISO 14001 certification.
Digital progress with a lighter footprint
At Vertiv, our journey toward a more sustainable future is marked by innovation and responsibility. As we continue to design and implement transformative solutions, we remain committed to reducing environmental impact and championing alternative energy sources. On Zero Emissions Day and beyond, we strive to make meaningful change and enable a more environmentally responsible digital future. Dive deeper into our journey and explore how we make a tangible impact by reading our Responsible Business Report.