The Science Based Targets initiative has approved Datacenter United’s climate targets. The validation confirms that the company’s reduction trajectory aligns with the 1.5°C scenario, an international frame of reference for climate policy.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated Datacenter United’s near-term emission reduction targets. This confirms that the Belgian data center operator’s planned emission reductions are in line with the 1.5°C scenario. This scenario is considered the most stringent target within the SBTi framework and is based on recent climate science.
The validation means that Datacenter United is translating its climate ambitions into concrete and measurable objectives. In the coming years, the company will continue to invest in energy efficiency, adapted cooling systems, responsible water use and infrastructure suitable for high-density workloads, including applications for artificial intelligence.
What is SBTi and the 1.5°C scenario?
The Science Based Targets initiative is an international collaboration that helps companies align their climate targets with scientifically sound scenarios. The initiative was set up by, among others, CDP, the UN Global Compact and the World Wildlife Fund. SBTi assesses whether the planned emission reductions are sufficient to limit global warming.
The 1.5°C scenario refers to the objective from the Paris Climate Agreement to limit the average temperature increase to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial level. This requires rapid and drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For companies, this means that they must structurally reduce their direct emissions, but also indirect emissions from energy consumption and supply chains.
Embedded in broader sustainability policy
The SBTi validation is in line with a broader sustainability framework within Datacenter United. The company is ISO 14001 certified and participates in the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact. In addition, it collaborates with external parties such as EcoVadis, Greenly and The Green Grid to measure and improve environmental impact.
The 120 million euro investment program also fits within this approach. This program focuses on efficiency improvements, energy saving, water management and future-proof digital infrastructure. Datacenter United operates fourteen data centers at twelve locations in Belgium. With the SBTi validation, the company is further anchoring its climate targets in its strategy towards 2030.