Speech Abstract
AI data centers (AIDC) are growing faster than the energy, water and social systems that support them. As demand for computing power rises, developers and operators face higher expectations from investors, regulators, customers and local communities. This presentation looks at the environmental and social responsibilities that come with this growth, and explains why sustainability is now a core business issue.
It starts with the forces driving AIDC development and the regional pressures on new projects: access to clean power, water stewardship, permitting and community acceptance. It then covers the main environmental and social issues across the data center lifecycle. These include access to sufficent (and clean/renewable) energy, meeting water-positive commitments, engaging stakeholders and redeveloping former industrial sites. Selected case studies show how these issues are handled in practice.
Industry experience shows that projects that deal with sustainability late can face delays, cost overruns, reputational damage and stranded assets. The presentation concludes that companies should build environmental and social factors in early and keep them there through the whole lifecycle, from site selection to decommissioning. Doing so reduces risk, protects their license to operate and creates lasting value.
Speaker’s Biography
Jovy Tam is the Partner in Charge of the ERM Taiwan office and currently leads the Capital Project Delivery team in Taiwan, providing clients with internationally aligned environmental professional services. He has over 20 years of practical experience with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental and Social Performance Standards, and has been involved in numerous projects, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), E&S Monitoring and Audit, Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) for infrastructure projects including renewables, date centers, airports, ports, oil and gas etc. in the wider Asia Region.