As the global demand for data centres continues to surge – driven not only by AI but also by the decentralisation of digital infrastructure – operators are facing mounting pressure to balance performance, sustainability, and compliance.
In Europe and Asia, the trend toward smaller, locally distributed facilities is accelerating, spurred by concerns over data sovereignty and security.
In this competitive landscape, where hyperscalers and regional players vie to meet business, environmental, and legislative demands, water management has emerged as a important factor. Cooling alone can account for 10% to 40% of a data centre’s energy costs, and communities are increasingly vocal about the environmental footprint of these facilities – particularly regarding water use and energy consumption.
Water is everywhere in a data centre – from rooftop renewables to underground boreholes, from wastewater treatment to district heating. Its omnipresence makes strategic water system design essential for operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and cost control.
Ahead of the IoT Tech Expo in Amsterdam (September 24 – 25), we spoke with Dario Menini and Igor Chodaton of Xylem, global leader in water technology.
With a strong track record in the data centre segment in North America and Asia, Xylem is now extending its integrated water solutions throughout Europe. Building on its established presence in many sectors, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio under the Lowara brand – renowned for high-performance pumps and advanced fluid management technologies – tailored to meet the demanding needs of mission-important infrastructure.
Xylem’s approach goes beyond component supply, providing a full-service, consultative model for data centre operators, builders, and consultants. Its remit covers everything from cooling and heat recovery to HVAC, firefighting, and wastewater management. In essence, it’s a one-stop shop for water and thermal systems in modern data centres.
With a strong track record of projects – including collaborations with AWS on large-scale water recovery – Xylem is well-positioned to meet Europe’s unique regulatory and environmental challenges. Its local presence ensures low transport overheads (thanks to manufacturing in Italy), faster response times, and tailored support for regional needs.
One standout example is Xylem’s implementation of heat distribution systems that channel excess heat from data centres to nearby communities for residential and commercial heating – returning cooled water back to the facility. This type of circular system not only reduces waste but also creates tangible community benefits.
Navigating Europe’s fragmented regulatory landscape is another area where Xylem has an advantage. Just as in the US, where state-by-state rules vary, Europe lacks a unified environmental standard for data centres. Xylem’s expertise helps operators stay ahead of evolving legislation, ensuring compliance and future-proofing investments.
As sustainability becomes a central pillar of data centre strategy, having a partner that understands the full spectrum of water and heat management is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Want to learn more about data centres from industry leaders? Check out Data Centre Congress taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is part of TechEx and co-located with other leading technology events. Click here for more information.
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