Understanding Microsoft datacenters in Nordrhein-Westfalen

Datacenters are part of everyday life

Essential for modern technology, datacenters power everything from online grocery shopping, online banking, and remote work to scheduling medical appointments and staying connected with family and friends. Datacenters also support businesses, hospitals, schools, and governments. ​

Imagine a building packed with thousands of computer servers and data storage devices, all connected to the internet—that’s a datacenter, working tirelessly to keep our lives connected and efficient.

Datacenters enable innovation and enhance productivity in today’s digital age. Take a virtual step inside.

We believe that companies that can do more, should. That’s why we remain focused on key areas in which technology can and must benefit the future of humanity and our planet.

Aligned with Microsoft’s global commitments, our datacenter community pledge is to build and operate digital infrastructure that addresses community challenges and creates local benefits where we operate and where our employees live and work.

We pledge to…

• Contribute to a sustainable future
• Advance community prosperity and well-being
• Operate responsibly as a good neighbor

We will design and operate our datacenters to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste across our direct operations by 2030. Additionally, Microsoft pursues LEED Gold certification for newly built datacenters.

Energy

Microsoft will procure 100% renewable energy coverage globally by 2025. In Nordrhein-Westfalen, the backup generators for our datacenters are designed to be powered by a renewable biofuel that reduces net carbon emissions.

Watch this video to learn how Microsoft datacenters are helping pave the way for a sustainable future.

Water

Microsoft is committed to being water positive by 2030. We continue to scale our efforts to reduce water use across our operations, while increasing procurement from alternative sources and investing in innovative replenishment and access projects.

The Microsoft AI datacenters in Nordrhein-Westfalen will use direct evaporative cooling which uses water for cooling only 5% of the year and will require minimal water for employee use. Read more about transforming datacenter water efficiency.

Watch this video about our other datacenters that use water for cooling.

Waste

Globally, Microsoft reuses or recycles 90%+ of end-of-life assets. Microsoft datacenters in Nordrhein-Westfalen and other locations renew zero-waste certification through the UL’s Zero Waste to Landfill program.

We will deliver significant local, economic, and social benefits.

Skilling opportunities

• The Microsoft Learning initiative “SkillHer in AI—ReAImagine Female Talent” empowers women to actively advance their career potential through the use of new technologies such as AI—regardless of their professional background or previous experience with AI.
• Understanding Microsoft datacenter jobs in your community

Community investments in Nordrhein-Westfalen

• The KI verein(t) initiative equips NGOs and associations (e.V.) with the AI know-how they need to serve their communities more effectively.
• Read about our Germany community investments

Watch this video to learn more about our approach to community investments.

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In all we do, Microsoft strives to be a responsible neighbor.

• We listen, learn, build relationships, and follow through on our commitments. Microsoft collaborates with nonprofits and suppliers who share our commitment to expand opportunities for all.
• And to be a good neighbor, we want to keep you in the loop. Visit our Germany community blog to stay informed.