Designing Circular, Low-Carbon Data Centers

How can data centers cut embodied carbon through smarter material choices, reuse, and design? What new circular models are emerging, and what will it take to scale them across the sector?

The rapid expansion of data center infrastructure is driving major demand for steel, concrete, servers, batteries, and critical minerals, making embodied carbon and material circularity urgent priorities. Operators are exploring modular design, low-carbon materials, refurbished equipment, and new models for repair, reuse, and reverse logistics. This session highlights what’s working, where gaps remain, and how sustainability teams can influence specifications, procurement, and partnerships to accelerate truly circular data center development.