NEXTDC: Pioneering Green Data Centre Solutions
NEXTDC stands out as a leader in environmentally responsible data centre operations, setting benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in Australia’s digital infrastructure sector.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Neutrality
NEXTDC has achieved 100% carbon neutrality for its corporate operations, certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active program since 2018. The company meticulously measures and manages its Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rates, maintaining industry-leading efficiency and a NABERS 5-star energy rating at its flagship facilities in Sydney (S1) and Melbourne (M1). These ratings underscore NEXTDC’s commitment to operational excellence without compromising environmental stewardship.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
A core pillar of NEXTDC’s sustainability strategy is the integration of renewable energy. The company operates large-scale rooftop solar arrays, notably at its M1 Melbourne facility, which has generated close to 2.2 million kWh of electricity, offsetting approximately 700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually-the equivalent of removing 200 cars from the road. New solar installations are underway at additional sites, including S1 Sydney, M3, Sunshine Coast, and Perth, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Innovative Carbon Offsetting: NEXTneutral
NEXTDC’s NEXTneutral program allows customers to offset the carbon footprint of their colocated IT infrastructure with a simple, low-cost opt-in solution. This initiative, independently verified by Climate Active, has seen a significant uptake, enabling businesses to achieve their own sustainability goals with minimal complexity. In 2021, NEXTneutral was recognized as a catalyst for NEXTDC’s inclusion in the Australian Financial Review’s Most Innovative Companies awards.
Zero Waste and Responsible Resource Management
NEXTDC is Australia’s first data centre operator to achieve TRUE Zero Waste certification at its S1 Sydney facility, reflecting rigorous waste diversion and recycling programs. The company operates dedicated e-waste and paper waste recycling initiatives at all locations, ensuring secure and ethical disposal of retired hardware and materials. Water management is also a key focus, with ongoing benchmarking and optimization to minimize consumption and environmental impact.
Certifications and Continuous Improvement
NEXTDC’s sustainability credentials are reinforced by multiple independent certifications:
NABERS 5-star rating for energy efficiency at major facilities.
TRUE Zero Waste certification at S1 Sydney.
ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management across all sites.
Uptime Institute Tier III and IV certifications for operational excellence and reliability.
Continuous monitoring, real-time data analytics, and machine learning are leveraged to fine-tune energy use and environmental performance, ensuring that sustainability improvements are ongoing and measurable.
Community and Industry Leadership
NEXTDC’s commitment extends beyond its own operations. As a principal partner in the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, the company supports broader industry efforts to transition to clean energy, including the 80MW Crowlands Wind Farm.
Summary
NEXTDC exemplifies what it means to be an environmentally kind data centre operator: carbon-neutral, energy-efficient, powered by renewables, and dedicated to zero waste. Its innovative programs and industry-leading certifications make it a model for sustainable digital infrastructure in Australia and beyond.