5.4 Optimize cooling systems –Monitor and optimize cooling systems for efficiency and conditions. Addressing electricity use for cooling is critical for lowering energy draw, especially for data centres. –Cooling systems are best if designed for the local climate, while keeping in mind the trade-offs between energy and water use, as discussed in Chapter 2.2. –For variable climates, companies can utilize multiple types of cooling with monitoring systems to switch to whatever type is most optimal at any given time. Where feasible, free cooling can be considered. Examples: AWS uses temperature sensors in its data centres to track conditions and shift the type of cooling to optimize for energy and water.107 Companies can consider other efficiency measures, optimizing hardware energy performance and raising indoor operating temperatures to decrease cooling requirements. Meta and Microsoft have both pledged to operate their data centres at higher temperatures to decrease energy consumption.108 5.5 Dynamic process management –Install dynamic process management systems to avoid idle energy use. These systems will further enhance efficiency. Energy management systems ideally follow an accredited standard, such as ISO 50001. –While most applicable for data centres, this can improve efficiency across tech manufacturing and other sub-sectors of the value chain. Examples: Google uses an AI system to query sensors across the data centre to optimize cooling technology, reducing energy use by 30%. Meta uses machine learning to manage the amount of air circulated for cooling.109 An additional resource companies can reference is the ZEROgrid initiative, which has produced a corporate actions playbook addressing key challenges to reliable grid decarbonization, types of corporate actions and an implementation guide. While fostering additional zero- and low-carbon renewable power capacity has clear benefits, companies must still consider the potential impacts of these power sources and infrastructure on nature and biodiversity. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers constructive considerations for integrating biodiversity into renewable power planning.110 AWS uses temperature sensors in its data centres to track conditions and shift the type of cooling to optimize for energy and water. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 39

Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025