Digital Realty and Schneider Electric Implement Circular Economy Initiatives in Paris 5 Data Center: Achieving 50%-70% Embodied Carbon Reduction in LV and MV Equipment by 2026

Digital Realty, a global provider of cloud and carrier-neutral data center solutions, has teamed up with Schneider Electric to implement data center circular economy initiatives at its Paris 5 (PAR5) data center. The project is focused on extending the life of critical systems at PAR5, including Schneider Electric’s Low Voltage and Medium-Voltage electrical equipment, switchgear, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), in alignment with Digital Realty’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.

The initiative includes reusing key electrical infrastructure components and implementing take-back, recycle, and refurbish programs to reduce e-waste, lower upstream/downstream Scope 3 emissions, and eliminate harmful Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) like SF6. A battery rejuvenation assessment will also be conducted to extend the lifespan of VRLA UPS batteries, following key circular economy principles.

Through the circularity project’s initial phases, 3.7 tons of CO2 savings have already been achieved through equipment modernization, refurbishments, and replacements in the UPS systems. Additional emissions reductions are projected with the adoption of Schneider Electric’s SF6-free MV switchgear, SM AirSeT, which utilizes air and vacuum technology to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and electrical safety in data centers.

The ultimate goal is to develop a roadmap that allows Digital Realty to replicate, deploy, and scale up circularity initiatives across all of its European sites. Over the next 3-5 years, the project is anticipated to save 50%-70% of the embodied carbon in LV