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Digital Realty Collaborates with Ecolab to Pilot AI-Powered Water Conservation Solution
AUSTIN, Texas – October 15, 2024 – Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the leading global provider of cloud-and carrier-neutral data centre, colocation, and interconnection solutions, today announced its collaboration with Ecolab (NYSE: ECL), the global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services, to deploy an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven water conservation solution in 35 of its U.S. data centres. Implemented by Nalco Water, Ecolab’s water and process management business, the pilot aims to enhance Digital Realty’s water use efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
The innovative digital service combines insights from Ecolab’s advanced automation and control technology with more than a century of Ecolab expertise to establish actionable water consumption benchmarks. By contextualizing the information through an AI/machine learning model and analysing the data, the solution identifies real-time operational inefficiencies in cooling systems and recommends actions for fast improvement.
Digital Realty, an early adopter and key collaborator on the solution’s development, was the first to pilot Ecolab’s next generation of AI-enabled technology. Once fully implemented, the solution is expected to drive up to a 15% reduction in water use, extend the life of equipment, and avoid the withdrawal of up to 126 million gallons of potable water from local watersheds annually.[1]
“Collaborating with Ecolab on this AI-driven water conservation initiative aligns with our goals of improving water use efficiency and minimising environmental impact. We’re excited about the potential of this solution to set a new standard in water conservation for data centres," commented Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability, Digital Realty.
This collaboration builds upon the long-standing relationship between Digital Realty and Ecolab, which spans nearly a decade and has resulted in the successful completion of 15 water conservation projects. During 2023 alone, Digital Realty’s and Ecolab’s solutions helped Digital Realty reduce the amount of water withdrawn from local watersheds by 5% and avoid 986 metric tons of CO2 emissions, through restorative energy projects and water use reduction initiatives. Additionally, the projects have reduced plastic waste disposal by 83% through an innovative chemical delivery service and solids chemistry programme.
“AI is not just revolutionizing business; it’s also set to transform water and energy efficiency within the tech sector,” said Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Ecolab. “At Ecolab, we’re proud to innovate AI-powered water solutions with Digital Realty, showcasing how next-gen technology can elevate water stewardship across industries.”
The Ecolab solution pilot is part of Digital Realty's broader water conservation strategy, aimed at improving water usage effectiveness (WUE) and reducing overall water consumption. In its recent 2023 ESG report, Digital Realty reported a 14% reduction in water use intensity compared to the previous year, highlighting the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and minimising its environmental impact.
Digital Realty has also successfully implemented AI solutions in other areas of its operations, including the expansion of its Apollo AI energy efficiency platform to the Asia-Pacific region. So far, this platform has identified the opportunity for approximately 18 gigawatt-hours of energy savings, equivalent to the annual energy usage of over 1,600 U.S. households.
Digital Realty's relationship with Ecolab underscores its dedication to sustainability and innovation within the data centre industry. By continuing to leverage advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, Digital Realty remains at the forefront of the data centre industry’s efforts to promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
For more information about Digital Realty’s sustainability initiatives, download its latest annual ESG report.
[1] Digital Realty’s projected savings are based on company-specific assessments and not on industry-wide benchmarks. Actual results may vary.
“AI is not just revolutionizing business; it’s also set to transform water and energy efficiency within the tech sector. At Ecolab, we’re proud to innovate AI-powered water solutions with Digital Realty, showcasing how next-gen technology can elevate water stewardship across industries.”
Emilio Tenuta
Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Ecolab
About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data centre, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data centre platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data centre footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $15 billion, employs more than 46,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimise water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com
Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, X @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.
For Additional Information
Media Contacts
Will Reynolds
Digital Realty
+44 7469 695775
Kyle Kapustka
Ecolab
+1 612-708-4304
Investor Relations
Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
+1 737 281 0101
InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to our sustainability goals, certifications and strategy and potential impact from sustainability initiatives and our sustainability programme and achievements. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.