Green technology is often equated with visible innovations like electric vehicles or energy-saving appliances. However, what you don’t see, behind-the-scenes infrastructure—such as energy-efficient data centres and sustainable software—play a key role in powering and shaping a sustainable digital future. As Singapore builds a smart, digital-first nation, IMDA is ensuring that our digital infrastructure remain world-class and future ready.
IMDA’s Green Data Centre Roadmap: Singapore’s Pathway to Sustainability
On 30 May 2024, IMDA launched the Green Data Centre Roadmap to guide the sustainable growth of data centres in Singapore. With data centres being energy and water intensive, the roadmap lays out a comprehensive strategy to drive growth through accelerating data centre’s energy efficiency and use of green energy.
This initiative builds on the earlier Digital Connectivity Blueprint and sets strong ambitions for energy efficiency, integration of green energy sources and water efficiency. A key part of the roadmap is the refreshed Green Mark for Data Centres 2024, developed jointly by IMDA and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), that raises sustainability standards for data centre design and operation.
Another crucial element is the Singapore Standard on Energy Efficiency for Data Centre IT Equipment, encouraging data centres to select and operate IT hardware more efficiently, aiming to reduce energy use of IT equipment by at least 30%.
Collaboration and Innovation at the Core
IMDA champions an ecosystem approach, fostering partnerships with data centre operators, academic institutions, technology providers, and green energy suppliers. These collaborations are essential for driving innovation in advanced cooling technologies, upgrading to energy efficient IT equipment, and IT workload optimisation—all vital to achieving sustainability goals.
Singapore’s compact size and limited natural resources amplify the challenge of growing data centre capacity sustainably. Through this roadmap, IMDA transforms this challenge into an opportunity, positioning the nation as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.
What You Can Do: Be Part of the Green Tech Movement
Green tech isn’t just IMDA’s mission—it’s a call for collective action.
Individuals can adopt mindful digital habits like optimising cloud storage, extending device longevity, and supporting sustainable software.
Tech professionals are invited to collaborate on green initiatives, pilot new energy-efficient technologies, and integrate green computing principles into their work.
Businesses can adopt sustainable procurement, enhance operational efficiencies, and participate in IMDA’s grants and innovation programmes to accelerate their digital sustainability journey.
Looking Forward: Together Toward a Sustainable Digital Future
Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap marks a critical milestone in harmonising economic growth with environmental stewardship. By embracing innovation, partnerships, and collective responsibility, IMDA invites everyone to contribute toward building a digital economy that’s resilient, efficient, and sustainable.
Discover more about IMDA’s green initiatives and how the technology you use is part of this transformative journey.
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