SADC & SDIA Roadmap: Settlement Criteria for Data Centers
Fostering data center development that is sustainable, transparent and has local impact.
A comprehensive Sustainability Roadmap for data center development in the Amsterdam area emphasizes seven pillars of the circular economy, aiming for carbon-negative operations, zero waste, and enhanced biodiversity, while setting measurable sustainability goals through a structured implementation process.
Details
In 2022, Together with the The Schiphol Area Development Company (SADC) we have created a comprehensive Sustainability Roadmap that sets new European standards for data center development. This roadmap serves as a framework for prospective buyers at PolanenPark, part of the Green Data Center Campus (GDCC) initiative in the Amsterdam area.
SADC is owned by the municipalities of Haarlemermeer and Amsterdam, as well as the Province of North Holland the Schiphol Group.
Overview
As digitalization continues to accelerate across Europe, the Amsterdam region has emerged as one of the five major data center hubs (alongside Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Dublin) that comprise 85% of the European data center market. However, growing environmental concerns and community resistance have highlighted the need for more sustainable approaches to data center development.
The Seven Pillars Framework
The roadmap is built on seven pillars of the circular economy:
Materials - Achieving zero waste and full circularity
Energy & Emissions - Targeting carbon negative operations
Water - Eliminating waste of rainwater and greywater
Biodiversity - Contributing to increased biodiversity through adaptive construction
Health & Well-being - Enhancing well-being for employees and residents
Economic Resilient Systems - Ensuring durable and adaptable structures
Social Activity & Culture - Reflecting stakeholder needs and supporting human cultures
Implementation Process
The roadmap follows a structured four-phase approach: concept development, reservation agreement, permits and realization, and in-use monitoring. Prospective buyers work with SADC specialists to create customized "value-added plans" that translate the roadmap principles into specific, measurable goals extending to 2030.
Key Sustainability Goals
Notable targets include achieving PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) below 1.2, implementing 100% renewable energy procurement, connecting to public heat networks for residual heat utilization, and maintaining transparent reporting on sustainability metrics throughout the operational phase.
This roadmap represents a collaborative effort between SADC, the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance (SDIA), and regional government bodies to transform data center development in the Netherlands and establish a new benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure across Europe.
Partners
