Since its inception in 2011, the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) has played a pivotal role in representing the interests of data centers across Europe. This unique, non-profit trade association stands out as the sole organisation representing the data center industry at a continental level, ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard in Brussels and beyond. Among the key figures driving EUDCA’s success is LCL’s founder and Managing Partner, Laurens van Reijen, as Chair of the Board of Directors, Michael Winterson, acknowledges.
In the early days, the data center industry was often overlooked by European policymakers. National associations did an excellent job at the local level, but there was a glaring absence of a unified voice to address the European Union. This changed with the establishment of EUDCA, which quickly identified the need to educate policymakers about the critical role data centers play in the digital economy. Laurens van Reijen, through his proactive engagement, helped bridge the gap between the data center industry and European institutions, ensuring that the industry’s unique needs and challenges were understood and addressed.
One of the most significant achievements of EUDCA, together with enterprises such as Amazon and Google, was the implementation of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact (CNDCP) in 2021. This pact, which aims for climate neutrality by 2030, underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainability. It sets ambitious targets, including improving energy efficiency, using 100% carbon-free energy, prioritising water conservation, and promoting the reuse and recycling of resources. Michael Winterson states: “Since its launch, the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact has been wildly successful. The current signatories of the pact represent 90% of the industry in Europe and most of its key players. Big global names such as Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, IBM, Intel, SAP, and Facebook have signed up.”
“What’s also interesting is that LCL – as an independent private data center operator – has decided to operate at the highest possible level, comparable to the level at which Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and much larger companies with much larger funds can operate.”
The highest possible level
“The role of LCL and Laurens van Reijen was instrumental,” says Michael Winterson. “They were a driving force behind the scenes, rallying support from various stakeholders and ensuring that the pact’s targets were both ambitious and achievable. Laurens van Reijen’s determination has positioned the data center industry as a leader in sustainability, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Without his efforts, the EUDCA would have disappeared, and we wouldn’t have any representation in Brussels. We wouldn’t have seen any of this legislation coming and we wouldn’t have had a positive influence. The regulations would have been very clunky, very backwards and probably very expensive. The value of LCL in this process cannot be underestimated.”
Michael Winterson elaborates: “What’s also interesting is that LCL – as an independent private data center operator – has decided to operate at the highest possible level, comparable to the level at which Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and much larger companies with much larger funds can operate. So, I do think LCL sets an example in terms of sustainability. Taking the higher road might have been more expensive and it might have been harder work, but the benefit is better customers who also believe in what you want to do. By taking this stance, LCL has created a high level of transparency and trust, which makes it possible to win business that would have been exclusively going to some large international publicly traded company.”
The challenges facing the data center industry are numerous, from security concerns to the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions. “Laurens van Reijen’s foresight and leadership will undoubtedly continue to be crucial as the industry navigates these challenges. His work ensures that data centers are not just passive players but active contributors to the European digital economy’s growth and sustainability.”
