Sustainability & ESG

From its inception, Kao Data’s leadership team has been committed to developing and operating one of the UK’s most sustainable and energy efficient data centre portfolios.

This ambition included a number of technical design and engineering “firsts” that were incorporated into the structure and operations of our Harlow data centres, in addition to being the first operator in Europe to transition back-up generators to sustainable HVO fuel.

Our corporate aim - as outlined in our comprehensive Sustainability & ESG Report 2022 - is to be fully net-zero by 2030.

In an effort to engage young people in the world of data centres, Kao Data established the Kao Academy in May 2022. This STEM resource was set-up in collaboration with the Cambridge Science Centre and teaches children aged 7-11 (Key Stage 2, Years 3-6) about the growing importance and relevance of data centres to our everyday lives. Since then, hundreds of children have accessed the website in support of their STEM education.

The Kao Academy was recognised at the Open Compute Awards in 2023, and more exciting initiatives are planned across 2024.

In 2022 Kao Data partnered with the UK’s first dedicated University Technical College (UTC) for data centre and engineering professionals. Alongside other partners, Kao Data now annually supports the 'Digital Futures' programme for technical students aged 14-19, laying the foundations for the next generation of data centre talent. Students are based at the UTC Heathrow campus in London and actively work alongside Kao Data’s team on assignments, projects and away days. These have included trips to the Harlow campus, and a fantastic team-building day at the Olympic Whitewater rafting centre at Lea Valley.

Kao Data is proud to be supporting a variety of local and national community initiatives. These include being an Executive Council Member of the brilliant Cambridge Science Centre, who help engage hard-to-reach children and communities into the amazing world of science. In addition, Kao Data supports Changing Lives, a not-for-profit initiative that helps dis-advantaged children, families and refugees in Harlow and wider Essex through workshops, sports and community events. Last but not least, to do our bit for biodiversity, our team sponsors beehives and around 800,000 bees via the British Bee Charity. Watch this space for some 'Kao Data Honey' coming soon!