IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #100 Green Data Centers: Leading the Internet’s New Frontier

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, data centers are more than just hubs for information—they are the backbone of our AI and LLM revolution. As digital infrastructure expands exponentially, the environmental impact of these data centers has become a critical challenge. This lightning talk zeroes in on the innovative transformation of data centers into sustainable powerhouses. We will explore groundbreaking strategies in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling technologies that are reshaping traditional data center operations. The discussion will delve into how green data centers are essential for achieving carbon-neutral internet infrastructure and ensuring that our digital expansion does not come at the expense of the environment. Aligned with IGF 2025’s subtheme of Sustainable and Responsible Innovation, this session will offer valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how sustainable data center innovations are not only vital for environmental stewardship but also pivotal in supporting the next generation of AI and digital technologies. Key References: - [IEEE Paper on Data Center Sustainability](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7994556) - [Springer Article on Energy Efficiency Innovations](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11227-016-1852-2) - [Data Center Dynamics: Circular Economy in IT Assets] (https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/analysis/re-use-refurb-recycle-ci…) - [IBM Think: Green Data Center Strategies](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/green-data-center) Join us to uncover how reimagining data centers as green innovators is key to sustaining both our technological progress and our planet.

We will actively engage both onsite and online participants through interactive elements designed to foster meaningful discussion and participation. Live Polling and Audience Engagement: We will pose engaging questions to the audience and conduct a small live poll during the session, involving both onsite and online participants. The poll will focus on key issues such as the environmental impact of data centers and the potential of green solutions, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. Interactive Q&A Segment: From the start of our presentation, we will introduce a Q&A segment, allowing participants to submit questions via the conference platform. We will address these questions toward the end of our presentation, ensuring that both in-person and remote attendees have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Visually Driven Presentation: Our presentation will be highly visual and dynamic, featuring infographics, charts, and short videos rather than text-heavy slides. This approach will enhance audience engagement and make complex topics more accessible and compelling. Social Media Engagement: To encourage participation beyond the session, we will promote the use of a shared hashtag: #GreenDataCentersIGF25. This will allow attendees to engage in real-time discussions, share insights, and continue the conversation on social media platforms.