Equinix: Equinix announces new sustainability initiative to share waste heat in Paris

Equinix, in another move in alignment with its sustainability goals, has announced the opening of a rooftop urban farm at its PA10 data center in Paris, France. Promoting circular economy principles, the company will use its servers' waste heat to heat the greenhouse, which was built by Reid Brewin Architects (RBA).

Spanning 430 sqm (4600 sq ft), the greenhouse is also surrounded by 570 sqm (61,000 sq ft) of gardens, which will have pollinator-friendly species and house insect hotels.

The company has outlined that heat exchangers linked to the facility's chilled water cooling system will facilitate the greenhouse heating, with sensors that monitor internal and external temperatures and humidity levels, meaning it maintains exact temperatures for growing seasonal fruit and vegetables, which will utilize a hydroponic system. 

Speaking about this project, which is pegged to be the first of its kind in France, John Hutchinson from RBA said it is essential to "increase our actions to mitigate the environmental impact of an increasingly digital world."