DICE+ Roundtable

The more things change, the more they remain the same. Four years after the conclusion of the Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry (CEDaCI) project in 2021, we have a new large academic project in DICE Network + to design out waste in the data centre sector. The stakes are higher, with increased energy and materials consumption in the face of AI, but research is also growing in scope and confidence. Techbuyer attended a roundtable organised by DICE Network + in November to help identify critical challenges and opportunities for transitioning data centre infrastructure to a circular economy.

The discussion brought together academics, businesses and policy makers to an open dialogue under Chatham House Rule. Some of these were old connections for Techbuyer. There were others working in new areas, like heat reuse and retrofit of data centres. Having a cross section of sector experience enabled the team to identify establish focus areas for actionable solutions across the value chain… which is no easy task in a sector that is renowned for siloed expertise.

From Server Level to Data Centre Systems

Techbuyer was a company partner in Interreg NW Europe funded CEDaCI project some years ago. This made recommendations on more circular service design, established the triple bottom line case for refurbishment, measured the effect of cutting edge recycling technologies and created a decision making compass for data centre managers. Key members of the project were at the roundtable.

The DICE Network + aims to build on this and other projects by looking at circularity in all its forms across the sector. The 3-year UKRI EPSRC-funded programme began in January 2025 and runs until December 2027. Its £2.5M budget will be allocated to embedding sustainability and circularity in digital infrastructure design and development. Part of the approach is to generate insights and evidence through research. Another component is establishing cross-sector collaboration, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Benefits of Circular Approaches

Recovering value at the end of life remains a challenge for IT hardware. Figures publicised by the DICE Network + suggest that with low formal e-waste recycling rates leave around $91B worth of critical raw materials unrecovered. More than that, processor manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand, meaning that users are holding onto processors rather than releasing for other users.

Unifying the fragmented secondary market, funding circular design based on recovered materials would recover that advantage, but the technology is some way off. Whilst the feasibility studies are conducted, we need effective product life extension to ensure that supplies do not become prohibitively expensive.

Discussion Themes

A high concentration of data centre hubs is stressing local grids. Work is being done on heat reuse at district level, with some amazing case studies, but coordination at systems level is needed. Data needs to be collected, skills developed and finance acquired to enable cutting edge technologies to join the mainstream. Design for the long term: modular, repairable, and upgradable systems. Support at policy level, including government incentives and public procurement favouring circular design. Digital passports for transparency and repair instructions are under development but need standardised circularity measurement methodologies

Best Practice

The project team outlined some key steps in the project, including stakeholder mapping and case study articles, workshops on key points and solution planning, and finally a presentation at Data Centre World. However, they were keen to point out that they need wide participation to be successful. We are looking forward to being involved every step of the way, and encourage any stakeholders in the data centre ecosystem to be involved.

The team is looking to grow the network, so if you would like to join us with your support, please visit: Get Involved - DICE Network+