With the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI), the last two years have ushered in a profound shift in our global digital economy. Industries, business models, and how we live, work, and connect are all affected. Data lies at the heart of this shift, and in turn, so do the data centers that process, manage, and store that data: AI workloads require not only space and power but also low-latency connectivity, high-density environments, and a commitment to sustainable operations and clean energy.
To build for a better tomorrow while supporting continued innovation in AI and beyond, our data centers need to prioritize reducing environmental impact in every facet of their design, construction, and operation. In this article, I’ll explore the ways data centers can deliver sustainability in a way that delivers green solutions that drive value for our business, enhance customer satisfaction, and tread lightly on local communities and the environment.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Binkley is the Vice President of Sustainability at Digital Realty, where he is charged with developing the vision, strategy, overseeing implementation of the company’s sustainability programs. He is an expert on topics including renewable energy, energy and water conservation, sustainable construction, and corporate responsibility reporting.
Aaron is a founding member and 2025 Chair of the Sustainability Committee of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). He has written and spoken widely about sustainability in real estate and is the author of The Real Estate Solar Investment Handbook: A Commercial Property Guide to Managing Risks and Maximizing Returns.
He is a Registered Architect; and has an undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree from MIT.
