CIOs and data center operators express significant concern over the environmental impact of their IT decisions. Despite this awareness, very few make sustainability a priority in their purchases. A recent survey by Seagate found that while 95% of respondents are worried about environmental consequences, only 3% prioritize sustainability when making procurement decisions. Furthermore, only 16% view extending the lifecycle of their storage equipment as a critical purchasing factor.

This pattern extends to decisions involving AI, as highlighted by Hitachi Vantara’s report, where sustainability ranked last among priorities for successful AI implementation. Most IT leaders focus on factors like cost and performance, with sustainability often overshadowed. Jason Feist, SVP of cloud marketing at Seagate, emphasized that cost is the dominant factor when it comes to procurement, and organizations are under pressure to meet various performance and financial requirements.

As AI deployments grow, the demand for energy will rise, leading to increased concerns about sustainability. The International Energy Agency forecasts that energy needs from data centers will more than double between 2025 and 2030, primarily driven by AI. Without efficient infrastructure and energy strategies, the environmental impact of these deployments could escalate quickly.

Despite the apparent lack of immediate action on sustainability from data center customers, some organizations are beginning to recognize the long-term benefits of energy-efficient solutions. Jenny Gerson from DataBank noted a shift in the market, where sustainability requirements are becoming more common in contracts rather than just marketing points.

In Europe, sustainability regulations are influencing business leaders more strongly, creating a genuine push for transparency in emissions data. However, many remain hesitant to disclose such information out of fear of public backlash. Kevin Dunn from Wasabi highlighted the complexities in calculating carbon footprints due to multiple electricity providers, creating difficulties for CIOs seeking to understand their emissions deeply.

CIOs can influence the sustainability efforts of data center operators by advocating for transparency in energy usage and carbon footprints during procurement negotiations. Seagate’s Feist reminded that CIO feedback is powerful in shaping vendor responses and behaviors. As more organizations demand renewable energy and prioritize sustainable practices, data center operators will likely follow suit.

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