LCL is moving towards CO₂-neutral data centres with Encon

Achieving Sustainability While Scope 3 CO₂ Emissions Are Rising

As a leading provider of state-of-the-art Tier III data centre facilities, LCL continuously invests in reliable infrastructure and maintenance to provide customers with a highly secure and uninterrupted IT environment. Alongside technological excellence, however, the company also aims to be a sustainability leader within its sector.

LCL has already committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathway aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and is exploring a long-term net-zero commitment. Nevertheless, questions arose regarding the feasibility of achieving this ambition.

The greatest challenge was the company’s rapid growth, with several new data centres planned for the coming years. Previous carbon footprint assessments revealed that 77% of LCL’s total emissions originated from Scope 3 emissions, primarily linked to the construction of data centres and the materials used. As these emissions occur largely outside the company’s direct control, reducing them presents a significant challenge.

Redesigning Data Centres with Sustainable Materials

To turn its climate ambitions into reality, LCL called on Encon’s expertise. Together, we developed a feasible pathway towards climate neutrality by 2050, addressing not only the company’s direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2) but also emissions across the entire value chain (Scope 3).

The process began with a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions involving key stakeholders within LCL, including senior management, the sustainability manager, technical experts and suppliers. During these sessions, we identified the most significant emission hotspots and explored alternative construction materials and methods with a lower carbon footprint.

The collaboration resulted in a concrete roadmap within the SBTi framework. Encon modelled the climate impact of various materials and construction approaches, providing clear recommendations for future developments. As a result, LCL is currently evaluating initiatives such as:

• Replacing conventional concrete with lower-carbon alternatives.
• Increasing the use of recycled steel in construction projects.
• Redesigning data centres using more sustainable building materials, including timber-based solutions.

More Sustainable Operations and Concrete Steps Towards Net Zero

Thanks to this collaboration, LCL now has a clear pathway towards net zero:

• Achieving climate neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035.
• Achieving climate neutrality across Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

The impact extends beyond targets and timelines. The workshops and strategic programmes developed with Encon have created strong internal support for sustainability throughout the organisation. Sustainability is now firmly embedded within LCL’s business strategy, influencing decisions from senior management to suppliers and project teams.

This commitment is already translating into tangible results:

• Gradual adoption of HVO100 fuel for emergency generators.
• Investments in renewable energy through wind turbines and a solar park.
• Systematic application of sustainable design principles in every new development project.

By addressing emissions across its entire value chain and integrating sustainability into its growth strategy, LCL is demonstrating that ambitious expansion and climate responsibility can go hand in hand.