Amazon Web Services (AWS) is making significant strides in the construction of environmentally sustainable data centers. By utilizing lower-carbon steel and concrete, AWS aims to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the growing demands for generative AI and machine learning services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the construction sector, which is known for its high carbon emissions.
AWS’s Commitment to Sustainability
Expanding Data Center Capacities in Sweden
AWS is investing in expanding its data center capacities in key locations such as Eskilstuna, Katrineholm, and Västerås. The main constructions of these new data centers are expected to be completed by mid-2025. This expansion is crucial for supporting the increasing demands of AWS customers, particularly in the fields of AI and machine learning. The choice of these specific locations in Sweden not only leverages the region’s favorable conditions for data center operations but also underscores AWS’s commitment to sustainable development.
The construction of these data centers involves using significantly lower-carbon materials. By aligning with Sweden’s ambitious sustainability goals, AWS aims to foster a broader impact on reducing the overall carbon footprint of data center operations. This strategic move is designed to respond to the growing customer demands for innovative services while securing a sustainable future. AWS acknowledges that the construction industry, which contributes to a considerable share of global carbon emissions, requires innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges posed by embodied carbon emissions.
Addressing Embodied Carbon Emissions
Embodied carbon emissions, which are released during the entire life cycle of building materials – from extraction to disposal – account for around 11% of the global carbon footprint. AWS’s approach to reducing these emissions involves sourcing significantly lower-carbon steel and concrete and optimizing the manufacturing, transportation, and construction phases. This comprehensive strategy ensures that each phase of the construction process is aligned with AWS’s commitment to sustainability.
By focusing on these lower-carbon materials, AWS is not only setting new standards for data center construction but also contributing to the broader goal of decarbonizing the construction sector. This commitment to sustainability goes beyond mere compliance; it represents a proactive stance in leading the industry towards more environmentally friendly practices. The approach aims to minimize the environmental impact of new data centers while maintaining the high standards of performance and reliability expected from AWS infrastructure.
Innovative Use of Low-Carbon Materials
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steel
One of the critical moves AWS has made in its quest for sustainability is sourcing steel produced via the electric arc furnace (EAF) method, which relies on recycling scrap steel. This method is fundamentally different from the traditional blast furnace to basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) route, as it uses electricity and a minimal amount of natural gas instead of coal. Globally, approximately 30% of steel is manufactured using the EAF method, which results in one-quarter of the carbon emissions compared to steel produced with conventional methods. The key to EAF’s reduced carbon footprint lies in its reliance on electricity and its ability to reuse scrap steel.
For the data centers in Eskilstuna and Västerås, AWS has committed to ensuring that at least 70% of the structural steel used will come from the scrap-EAF process. This dedicated effort is estimated to reduce 10,000 tonnes of embodied carbon emissions associated with these data centers. AWS’s emphasis on using recycled materials underscores its commitment to leveraging sustainable practices within its construction projects. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact but also sets a precedent for the industry to follow.
100% Carbon-Free Electricity for Steel Production
In an even more ambitious move, AWS is sourcing structural open steel sections for the Katrineholm data center that are made exclusively from scrap melted in electric arc furnaces powered by 100% carbon-free electricity. This method achieves just one-seventh of the emissions associated with conventional BF-BOF steelmaking, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This initiative is expected to prevent 5,900 tonnes of carbon emissions from entering AWS’s emissions profile, further cementing the company’s role as a leader in sustainable construction practices.
The use of 100% carbon-free electricity in steel production is a groundbreaking approach that has the potential to revolutionize the steel industry. By adopting such innovative methods, AWS demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction. This initiative not only supports AWS’s sustainability goals but also sets an example for other companies to follow in reducing their carbon emissions through the adoption of similar practices.
Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Collaboration with SSAB and Ruukki Construction
AWS has partnered with SSAB and its subsidiary Ruukki Construction to develop new sources of lower-carbon primary steel, marking a significant step forward in sustainable development. SSAB’s innovative HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology) uses hydrogen made from carbon-free electricity to produce iron, which releases water vapor instead of carbon dioxide. This cutting-edge technology replaces the carbon-intensive processes traditionally used in steel manufacturing, resulting in primary steel with up to one-tenth of the carbon emissions compared to conventional methods.
This partnership is a testament to AWS’s commitment to pioneering sustainable practices in the data center construction industry. The collaboration with SSAB and Ruukki Construction not only facilitates the development of lower-carbon primary steel but also helps AWS achieve its ambitious sustainability goals. By investing in such innovative technologies, AWS is driving the industry towards more sustainable practices and setting new standards for environmental responsibility in the construction sector.
Early Adoption of HYBRIT Technology
AWS is an early adopter of steel made via the HYBRIT technology for its new data center in Västerås. This pioneering approach sets an influential precedent within the data center construction sector, significantly contributing to decarbonization efforts and sustainable infrastructure development. AWS’s decision to embrace HYBRIT technology highlights the company’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address environmental challenges.
By transitioning to these innovative low-carbon construction materials and techniques, AWS is setting a new benchmark for the industry and demonstrating the practical applications of sustainable technologies. This early adoption is not just about staying ahead of regulatory requirements; it is about proactively leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. AWS’s efforts in this regard have the potential to inspire other companies to adopt similar practices, thereby amplifying the impact of these sustainable technologies on a global scale.
The Future of Low-Carbon Steel Production
Limitations of Recycling Route
While AWS’s efforts in utilizing recycled steel are commendable, the company acknowledges that the recycling route for steel production is limited by the amount of waste steel and iron generated globally. According to the International Energy Agency, by 2050, there will only be sufficient steel scrap to meet 45% of global demand. This limitation underscores the importance of developing and deploying low-carbon technologies for producing ‘primary’ or ‘virgin’ steel from iron ore, as relying solely on recycled materials will not suffice to meet future demands.
The acknowledgment of these limitations is critical as it highlights the need for continuous innovation and development in the field of low-carbon steel production. AWS’s proactive approach in seeking new solutions and partnerships for sustainable steel production ensures that the company is well-prepared to address these challenges. By investing in the development of primary steel with lower carbon emissions, AWS is setting the stage for a more sustainable future in the construction industry.
Scaling Up HYBRIT Technology
To address the limitations of the recycling route, SSAB plans to significantly increase the availability of low-carbon steel from its HYBRIT pilot facility in Luleå before transitioning to broader production volumes. AWS will utilize this steel in façade panels for a new data center, cementing its role at the forefront of sustainable construction methods. The scaling up of HYBRIT technology is a crucial step towards meeting the growing demand for low-carbon materials and ensuring the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in the industry.
The expansion of HYBRIT technology represents a significant advancement in the quest for more sustainable steel production methods. By supporting the scaling up of this innovative technology, AWS and its partners are contributing to the broader efforts of reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. This collaborative approach not only benefits AWS but also has the potential to revolutionize the industry by providing a viable alternative to traditional, carbon-intensive steel production methods.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
AWS’s Role in Decarbonizing Construction
Kellen O’Connor, Managing Director Europe North at AWS, emphasized that reducing the embodied carbon in data center construction is integral for AWS’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon operations by 2040. AWS’s collaboration with local innovators such as SSAB and Ruukki demonstrates a commitment to decarbonizing materials and establishing sustainable construction standards. These efforts are not only crucial for meeting AWS’s sustainability goals but also play a vital role in setting new benchmarks for the industry.
AWS’s proactive approach in tackling embodied carbon emissions sets a new standard for the industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainability goals. By working closely with local innovators and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, AWS is paving the way for more sustainable practices in the construction sector. This commitment to sustainability serves as a powerful example for other companies, encouraging them to adopt similar practices and contribute to the global efforts of reducing carbon emissions.
Potential for Sustainable Development
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is making notable advancements in the construction of sustainable data centers. By incorporating lower-carbon steel and concrete in their building projects, AWS is proactively working to reduce its carbon footprint. This effort is becoming increasingly important as the demand for generative AI and machine learning services continues to rise. Lowering the environmental impact of these services aligns with AWS’s commitment to sustainability. This undertaking is part of a more extensive campaign to decarbonize the construction industry, which has traditionally been a significant source of carbon emissions. AWS’s initiatives reflect a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are taking responsibility for their environmental impact and seeking more eco-friendly methods to deliver their services. The integration of sustainable materials in the construction of critical infrastructure like data centers not only helps in meeting regulatory requirements but also enhances the overall efficiency and ecological footprint of the operations involved. This forward-thinking approach by AWS could set a precedent for other tech giants to follow.