Waste heat for thousands of homes, businesses, and industry

We are committed to a secure and sustainable digital future. Maximizing energy efficiency in our data centers is just as crucial as using resources wisely. As a pioneer, we harness the waste heat generated by our servers and put it to good use. Through this approach, thousands of homes, businesses, and industrial facilities benefit from locally produced heating – reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating real value for the region.

What does the heating network achieve?

Fossil-based heating systems are a major source of climate-impacting CO2 emissions. In the Canton of Zurich, buildings and their heating systems account for 32% of total emissions. To reduce this footprint, fossil heating is being gradually phased out.

District heating is a sustainable, efficient, and reliable alternative. By making the waste heat from our servers available and working closely with regional partners like Energie 360° and IBB Energie, Green helps enable new district heating projects – reducing emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.

District heating supports climate goals – creating value for entire regions.

Diagram: How waste heat utilization works

How does waste heat utilization work?

Data centers are the backbone of digital infrastructure – powering countless servers around the clock and generating significant amounts of heat. At Green, we don’t let this valuable resource go to waste. Instead, we put it to good use.

The heat is extracted by means of waste heat extraction and brought to the required temperature level in a district heating center. A network of pipelines – the district heating grid – then distributes this heat to homes, businesses, and industrial sites.

This system operates in a closed loop, enhancing overall efficiency. As heat is supplied to the network, cooled water returns to the data center, helping to regulate server room temperatures and further optimizing energy consumption.

As an industry pioneer, Green has long invested in waste heat utilization. Our engineers and project developers work closely with district heating operators like Energie 360° and IBB Energie, while also engaging local municipalities. District heating projects are always a collaborative effort – they only succeed in cooperation with various partners and with appropriate demand.

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Heating with waste heat makes ecological sense

Using district heating is ecologically sensible and convenient. Since data centers are designed to operate around the clock, waste heat is always available. Users benefit from a sustainable and secure supply.

District heating is good for the climate and the environment:

Replacing fossil heating systems massively reduces CO2 emissions and heating oil consumption.
Instead of letting valuable heat go to waste, the heat is being put to use.
Renewable energy powers the heating system.
Returning cold air to the data center reduces the energy consumption of the cooling systems. The heating network thus pays off twice.

Waste heat recovery is an integral part of Green’s reference architecture for data centers. Learn more about our data center locations utilizing waste heat in Dielsdorf, Lupfig, and Schlieren.

Looking to benefit from district heating?

Find more information from our partners:

Energie 360°: Serving Dielsdorf, Regensdorf, and surrounding areas

IBB Energie: Serving Lupfig and surrounding areas