EdgeConneX: Protecting Water while Building Data Centres
A restoration project by EdgeConneX and River Partners is looking to establish a sustainable ecosystem at Hidden Valley Ranch in California, US.
As a leader in the data centre solutions sector, EdgeConneX is proud of its dedication to sustainability.
The company has set a goal to achieve carbon, waste and water neutrality across its data centres by 2030.
River Partners, a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to ecological restoration and building climate resilience and thriving communities along major rivers across the state of California.
Through this collaboration, EdgeConneX is set to repurpose approximately 350 acres of former dairy farmland into a thriving ecosystem that benefits both local communities and the natural environment.
“At EdgeConneX, sustainability is not just a goal but a responsibility. The Hidden Valley Ranch project epitomises our commitment to our Customers, People, Planet mission, showcasing how corporate and nonprofit partnerships can create lasting environmental and community benefits,” shares Andrew Brodeur, Vice President, National Real Estate and Sustainability Team Leader at EdgeConneX.
“We’re proud to work with River Partners to foster a greener, more resilient future.”
Building a sustainable future
This initiative focuses on restoring flood-sensitive land by planting around 80,000 native flora, converting water-demanding crops to species that enhance biodiversity while conserving water.
Over the course of the next three years, irrigation systems will be gradually eliminated, helping to conserve water in an area where it is critically scarce.
The project will also create expanded habitats for native species such as endangered salmon and monarch butterflies, while reducing flood risk along California's second-largest river.
Since being established in 1998, River Partners have been proactive in transforming nearly 20,000 acres of vital river landscapes in California, holding a substantial presence in river restoration across the western United States.
It says that the Hidden Valley Ranch project is a critical part of its mission to provide cost-effective solutions that are natural and that benefit the community – confronting huge challenges like climate adaptation, water management and resilience.
“Restoring ecosystems like Hidden Valley Ranch is key to revitalising California’s water, wildlife and communities from the growing climate impacts that we’re witnessing every day,” says Julie Renter, President at River Partners.
“Collaborations like this one with EdgeConneX are essential to scaling real solutions that create immediate and enduring benefits for people and wildlife alike.”
How data centre companies can confront climate change
- Boost the local economy
- Create good-paying restoration jobs
- Foster tourism linked to the revitalised San Joaquin River ecosystem
Local residents stand to gain from this project through improved recreational spaces and a healthier environment, demonstrating the potential for sustainability initiatives to yield substantial community advantages.
The Hidden Valley Ranch initiative represents a commitment from EdgeConneX to blend innovation with responsibility.
Collaborative ventures such as this are crucial, particularly in California where climate change challenges underscore the need for effective water management and habitat conservation.
With the advancement of technology and the rise of AI, data centres are increasingly examining their environmental impact, given the growing pressure on energy and water resources.
Companies around the world are therefore starting to assess their sustainability pledges and commit to change – an example being Keppel DC REIT Ireland, which partnered with Mercedes to distribute trees to schools, community centres and hospices with electric vans.
The company has also committed to environmental initiatives like DCs for Bees, which distributes pollinator-friendly plants to schools and community groups.
The larger technology giants are also seeking to lower their emissions, with Google recently saying in its recent Environmental Report that it is aiming to replenish 120% of freshwater consumption by 2030.