As data centres work to meet growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) demands, the spotlight usually falls on major initiatives like renewable energy, cooling innovation, and power usage effectiveness (PUE). But one smaller area can also make a significant difference: power cords.

Although they may seem minor, power cords contribute to the bigger picture of sustainability. Global electricity use by data centres is expected to hit 1,000 TWh by 2026(1), nearly double that of 2022. At the same time, electronic waste has already exceeded 50 million tonnes annually(2), with only 17.4 per cent of it being properly recycled(3), demonstrating that even the smallest components are worth closer attention.

Importance of choosing long-lasting materials

The materials and construction used in power cords have a direct effect on how long they last and how recyclable they are. Cheaper, lower-quality cords often wear out faster, which increases replacement cycles and waste. By contrast, cords made from durable, compliant materials can stay in service longer, reducing the number needed over time.

Cables that meet RoHS and REACH standards avoid the use of hazardous substances, making them easier and safer to recycle. Many manufacturers are now using PVC blends with up to 50 per cent recycled content, along with halogen-free jackets that provide the same safety and durability benefits. Modular designs also make cords easier to repair and reuse, supporting a more circular approach to product lifecycles.

How cabling affects energy use

Cable infrastructure also impacts data centre energy use in less obvious ways. In raised-floor environments, poorly managed or excessive cabling can block airflow, making cooling systems work harder. This can cause cooled air to bypass servers entirely, wasting up to 22 per cent of airflow, or up to 78 per cent in extreme cases, according to Upsite Technologies(4).

Lower-quality cords often wear out faster, which increases replacement cycles and waste.

Since cooling can account for as much as 40 per cent of a data centre’s total energy consumption, better cable planning can help improve airflow, cut energy use, and reduce operating costs. It also lowers the risk of hotspots that threaten performance and uptime.

Standardised cords

Managing dozens of different power cord stock keeping units (SKUs) across multiple sites adds unnecessary complexity and waste. Many global data centres still carry region-specific stock, such as KC-approved cords for Korea or PSE-approved ones for Japan.

Switching to IEC power cords with global approvals(5) can significantly streamline this, as these cords meet multiple regional standards, allowing operators to reduce the number of SKUs and consolidate inventory across locations.

The benefits of standardisation

Reducing SKUs doesn’t just simplify procurement and storage; it also cuts emissions from production, warehousing, and shipping. The Open Compute Project’s ORv3-compliant connectors have helped drive this trend, providing standardised solutions that work across vendors and regions.

Industry-wide, standardisation is being embraced as a way to improve scalability, reduce procurement and maintenance costs, and keep processes consistent. Bulk buying standard parts lowers the unit cost and reduces waste(6) from obsolete or mismatched cords. The result: fewer SKUs, leaner operations, and lower environmental impact.

Aligning procurement with ESG goals

These practical steps also support broader ESG performance. In infrastructure-heavy sectors, Scope 3 emissions, those tied to supply chains and logistics, can make up as much as 70 per cent of a company’s total emissions(7). As a result, procurement teams are beginning to assess even small components more carefully.

Key questions to be asked:

• Are the materials RoHS and REACH compliant?

• Can these cords be standardised across regions?

• What happens at the end of life?

• Can suppliers provide data for Scope 3 reporting?

Companies like Legrand, a US-based leader in electrical and digital building infrastructures, are also prioritising sustainability in their supply chains. Legrand has committed to reducing its Scope 3 emissions by 25 per cent by 2030(8) and is working closely with around 500 key suppliers to set science-based targets. This approach highlights how companies involved in power and cabling are increasingly focusing on supplier engagement to meet ambitious ESG goals.

A simple change that makes a difference

By rethinking how power cords are chosen, designed, and managed, data centre teams can make meaningful progress toward sustainability targets, without sacrificing performance or reliability. They may not be as high-profile as renewable energy or advanced cooling systems, but power cords are playing a growing role in making data centre infrastructure cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready.