Changing the Narrative: Gaurav Baveja, CFO of Tonaquint, Shares Insights on Rewriting Data Centers’ Sustainability Story

With the surge in demand for new data centers fueled by the AI boom, there are rising concerns about the strain these facilities place on valuable resources and the environment, leading to slowed progress on many new builds. In response, data centers are working to change negative perceptions within their communities to support the sustainable growth of mission-critical digital infrastructure. But is it enough?

Gaurav Baveja, Chief Financial Officer at Tonaquint Data Centers, tackled this issue during a recent DCD Energy & Sustainability broadcast: What progress is the sector making in changing the sustainability story?

Driving Meaningful Conversations for Stronger Community Ties
Together with other industry leaders, Baveja provided valuable insights into how the industry can address data center criticism and start shifting the conversation in a more productive direction. Key broadcast topics included:

How data centers can achieve more sustainable construction and operations, particularly in locations, such as NoVa and Phoenix
How to achieve better communication with communities and adapting messaging in different markets
How the sector can move toward a uniform methodology of total consumption, and accelerate transparency to compare efforts and best practices

Communicating the Value of Data Centers Is Key
Baveja discussed the importance of forging relationships within the community to shift perceptions of the data center industry. He shared how Tonaquint is making a difference through partnerships with local, city and state councils and other government agencies, working together to drive energy efficiency, optimize resources and serve as a responsible connectivity partner within the community.

Baveja also explained that when building a data center in a new market, it’s more than simply securing power and approvals for land use. Data center providers must communicate the downstream benefits that come along with establishing a new facility, such as new revenue, more tech-driven jobs and an infusion of vitality within the community. What’s more, when the focus on efficiency is communicated effectively, communities are better able to appreciate and understand the immense value data centers offer. By aligning the goals of data centers with those of the community, they can together pave the way for an exciting future driven by cutting-edge innovation and ever-increasing energy-efficient connectivity.

Watch the recorded broadcast here.