How companies in the DACH region are modernizing their data center infrastructures to balance energy efficiency, scalability, and compliance.
Introduction: Data centers as a strategic success factor
Digital transformation is fundamentally changing how companies operate, communicate, and create value. At the heart of this development are data centers—the critical infrastructure that supports business processes, processes data, and enables innovation. However, with the exponential growth of data volumes, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the increasing use of the cloud, the demands on modern data centers are also increasing dramatically.
For IT managers, CIOs, and CTOs in Germany and throughout the DACH region, the question of future-proof data centers is now a strategic priority. The challenge: Companies must achieve several, sometimes conflicting goals at the same time. They need higher computing power for AI workloads and data analysis, but at the same time they must reduce energy costs and comply with regulatory requirements such as the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). They need flexibility for rapid growth, but must not compromise security and stability.
The good news: Future-proof data centers combine efficiency, flexibility, security, and sustainability not as a compromise, but as an integrated concept. Modern technologies, intelligent architectures, and well-designed operating models make it possible to optimize all dimensions simultaneously. This article shows you how to modernize your data center infrastructure so that it can meet the demands of the next 5 to 10 years—while creating space for innovation and growth.
Status quo: Data centers under pressure
Rising energy demand: A challenge for Germany and Europe
The power consumption of data centers in Germany is rising steadily. German data centers currently consume around 18 terawatt hours per year—and this figure is set to increase. There are many reasons for this: data volumes are growing exponentially, AI workloads require enormous computing capacities, and the demand for 24/7 availability is increasing. In addition, many companies operate workloads in domestic data centers for data protection reasons or to achieve low latencies.
This hunger for energy has several consequences. First, operating costs are rising: energy prices now often account for 40 to 60 percent of total data center operating costs. Second, data centers are becoming the focus of climate protection targets and sustainability reporting. Companies must prove and improve their carbon footprint—and data centers are a key lever in this regard. Third, regulatory pressure is increasing: With the Energy Efficiency Act and the Energy Efficiency Register for Data Centers in Germany, operators are facing concrete requirements.
For medium-sized companies and larger organizations, this means that the status quo is unsustainable. Those who fail to invest in energy efficiency today risk rising costs, regulatory sanctions, and reputational damage. Future-proof data centers are energy-efficient data centers.
Regulatory framework: EnEfG, energy efficiency register, and PUE requirements
Germany has established clear guidelines for data centers with its Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). Above certain performance thresholds, operators must measure and document their energy efficiency and report it to the energy efficiency register. The key indicator is power usage effectiveness (PUE) – the ratio between the total power consumption of the data center and the power consumption of the IT equipment. A PUE of 1.5 means that for every watt of IT power, an additional 0.5 watts are required for cooling, power distribution, and infrastructure.
The EnEfG stipulates that new data centers must comply with a maximum PUE of 1.5 from 2024 onwards, with this limit falling to 1.3 by 2027. Existing data centers must also be retrofitted or modernized. In addition, the use of waste heat is being promoted: those who make good use of waste heat—for example, to heat buildings or district heating networks—can benefit from tax breaks.
Transparency requirements are also increasing. Operators must document and regularly report their energy consumption, PUE values, and cooling concepts. For many companies, this means they need monitoring systems that deliver accurate data and processes that ensure compliance.
Beyond Germany, EU requirements and national regulations in Austria and Switzerland are also tightening the requirements. Anyone planning or modernizing data centers today must take these regulatory developments into account—not only to avoid penalties, but also to remain competitive in the long term.
What makes a data center future-proof?
The five core dimensions of modern data centers
A future-proof data center is characterized by five key dimensions that must work together:
- Efficiency: Energy efficiency, space utilization, and operating costs must be optimized. A low PUE, modern cooling concepts, and consolidated hardware reduce running costs and CO₂ emissions.
- Flexibility: Data centers must be able to grow or shrink quickly to adapt to changing business requirements. Modular designs, scalable power and cooling systems, and hybrid cloud architectures offer this agility.
- Resilience: High availability is non-negotiable. Redundant power supply, fail-safe cooling, physical security, and disaster recovery concepts protect against failures and minimize risks.
- Sustainability: Data centers must minimize their environmental footprint. The use of renewable energies, waste heat utilization, water conservation, and circular economy practices for hardware are key components.
- Compliance: Compliance with regulatory requirements such as EnEfG, NIS2 for critical infrastructures (KRITIS), and data protection requirements is mandatory. Future-proof data centers are compliance-ready and document their processes transparently.
These five dimensions are not isolated goals, but rather reinforce each other. An efficient data center is often also more sustainable and cost-effective to operate. A flexible data center can respond more quickly to regulatory changes. A resilient system reduces the risk of costly outages.
Scalability and high availability as the foundation of digital business models
Digital business models—from e-commerce and cloud services to IoT platforms—are based on the assumption that IT infrastructure is available at all times. Even a few minutes of downtime can result in lost revenue, damage to reputation, and legal consequences. High availability is therefore not a technical gimmick, but rather business-critical.
At the same time, data centers must be scalable. Companies grow, new markets are opened up, and data volumes increase. A data center that is at full capacity today may be too small tomorrow. Conversely, oversized data centers lead to unnecessary investments and inefficient use of resources.
Modular data center concepts solve this dilemma. Power, cooling, and IT modules can be added or removed as needed. Edge data centers at decentralized locations complement central data centers and bring computing power closer to users and data sources. Hybrid scenarios combine on-premises capacities with colocation and public cloud to achieve maximum flexibility.
For IT decision-makers, this means planning your data center not for today's needs, but for the next 5 to 10 years. Take into account growth scenarios, technological developments such as AI and edge computing, and changing regulatory requirements. A future-proof data center is a scalable data center.
Increasing efficiency: energy, space, operation
Energy efficiency: Improve PUE and reduce operating costs
Optimizing energy efficiency is the most effective lever for reducing costs and CO₂ emissions. The PUE value provides a clear metric: the closer the value is to 1.0, the more efficiently the data center is operating. Modern data centers achieve PUE values of 1.2 to 1.3, while older facilities often have values of 1.8 or higher.
Modern cooling concepts for maximum efficiency
Cooling is the largest energy consumer outside of IT equipment. Traditional air conditioning systems are inefficient and energy-intensive. Modern approaches focus on:
Free cooling: Use of outside air for cooling when temperatures permit. In Germany, this is possible on many days of the year due to the temperate climate. Free cooling reduces the energy required for cooling by up to 70 percent.
Direct liquid cooling: In particularly power-intensive systems—such as those used for AI workloads or high-performance computing—heat is dissipated directly via liquid. This is significantly more efficient than air cooling and enables higher packing densities.
Hot aisle/cold aisle containment: Physical separation of hot and cold aisles prevents warm and cold air from mixing. This significantly increases cooling efficiency.
Waste heat utilization: The waste heat generated during operation can be used to heat office buildings, residential areas, or industrial processes. This not only improves the energy balance, but also meets regulatory requirements and creates additional sources of income.
Use of renewable energies and green electricity
The transition to renewable energies is an essential step toward sustainable data center management. Many operators already purchase green electricity, install their own photovoltaic systems, or use energy storage systems to cushion peak loads and ensure grid stability.
Purchasing green electricity not only reduces the carbon footprint, but also improves the image of the company among customers, investors, and the public. Companies that take their sustainability goals seriously also expect their data center partners to take appropriate measures.
Hardware and load consolidation: More performance in less space
Many data centers suffer from fragmented IT landscapes that have developed over time. Outdated servers run at low capacity, inefficient hardware consumes unnecessary power, and space is not used optimally. Hardware and load consolidation offer considerable savings potential here.
Virtualization and modern CPU/GPU generations
Virtualization has been established for years, but many companies are not exploiting its full potential. Consolidating workloads onto modern, powerful servers can drastically reduce the number of physical machines and thus power consumption, cooling requirements, and space requirements.
Current CPU and GPU generations offer a significantly better ratio of computing power to energy consumption. Replacing outdated hardware with modern processors often pays for itself within two to three years through energy savings alone. In addition, new processor generations enable higher densities—more computing power per rack.
Intelligent power distribution and DCIM solutions
The latest generation of power distribution units (PDUs) measure power consumption at the device level and enable precise monitoring. Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) solutions integrate data on energy consumption, cooling, utilization, and environmental conditions into a central platform.
DCIM systems enable IT teams to identify inefficient systems, optimize load distribution, and plan predictive maintenance. For example, if a server consistently runs at high temperatures, this may indicate a faulty fan or insufficient cooling—and can be fixed early on before it leads to downtime.
Operational processes: Automation and predictive maintenance
Efficiency does not end with hardware and energy—it also encompasses operational processes. Automating routine tasks, standardized procedures, and predictive maintenance increase efficiency and stability at the same time.
Automated server provisioning, patch management, backup routines, and monitoring alerts reduce manual effort and minimize human error. Predictive maintenance uses sensor data and AI-powered analytics to anticipate failures. Components showing signs of wear are proactively replaced—before they fail and cause production disruptions.
For IT teams, this means they can focus on strategic tasks instead of getting bogged down in day-to-day business. Data centers become more stable, downtime decreases, and predictability increases.
Increasing flexibility: Modularity, scaling, hybrid approaches
Modular and serial designs: Quickly scalable and cost-efficient
Traditional data centers are often built from scratch—a lengthy and capital-intensive investment. Modular data centers, on the other hand, are based on prefabricated, standardized modules that can be quickly set up and connected to each other.
Container data centers are one example: complete data center units are delivered in ISO containers, including servers, network, cooling, and power supply. These modules can be installed within weeks—instead of the months or years required for conventional new construction.
Modular power and cooling modules make it possible to expand capacity as needed. If business development requires more computing power, simply add another module. If capacity is temporarily not needed, modules can be taken offline or used elsewhere.
For medium-sized companies, modular data center solutions offer an attractive opportunity to build up data center capacities without having to make large upfront investments. The costs are spread over several years, and scaling only takes place when there is actual demand.
Edge and on-premise data centers: Making sensible use of decentralized capacities
Not all workloads belong in the central data center. Edge data centers—small, decentralized data centers close to data sources and users—are becoming increasingly important. The reasons:
Latency: Applications that require real-time processing—such as Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, or augmented reality—need low latency. Edge data centers bring computing power physically closer to the data source.
Bandwidth: IoT sensors, production facilities, and networked devices generate enormous amounts of data. Transferring all data to a central data center would be inefficient and expensive. Edge computing processes data locally and only forwards aggregated or relevant information.
Data sovereignty: In regulated industries or when dealing with sensitive data, it may be necessary to keep data local. Edge data centers enable local data processing under the full control of the company.
Edge data centers are typically smaller, but must be robust and low-maintenance, as they are often operated in locations without IT specialists. Remote maintenance, automated monitoring, and simple administration are therefore crucial.
Hybrid and multi-cloud scenarios: Flexibility through integration
Most companies today operate hybrid IT environments: parts of the infrastructure run in their own data centers, others in colocation facilities or public clouds such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. These hybrid and multi-cloud scenarios offer maximum flexibility—but also require well-thought-out governance.
The advantages of hybrid architectures are obvious: you can keep critical, sensitive, or latency-sensitive workloads on-premises while using cloud capacities for scalable, fluctuating, or less critical workloads. You avoid vendor lock-in and can specifically choose the best provider for specific requirements.
The challenges: Hybrid environments are complex. They require consistent security policies, unified monitoring, and transparent cost control across all platforms. Cloud management platforms and unified orchestration tools help to manage this complexity.
For IT decision-makers, this means: Don't plan your data center strategy in isolation. Consider your on-premises data center as part of a larger ecosystem that includes colocation, public cloud, and edge locations. A scalable data center infrastructure is an integrated infrastructure.
Sustainability and regulation as drivers
EnEfG, energy efficiency register, and climate targets: What can you expect?
The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) is just the beginning. In the coming years, further regulations will follow that affect data centers in Germany and Europe. The energy efficiency register for data centers requires operators to regularly report energy consumption, PUE values, and efficiency measures. Transparency is becoming mandatory.
At the same time, national and international climate targets are becoming more stringent. The EU is aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, while Germany wants to achieve this by 2045. Data centers that are still powered by fossil fuels today will have to make the switch—or risk regulatory sanctions and reputational damage.
For companies, this means that investments in energy efficiency and sustainability are not optional. They are required by law and make good business sense. Those who act early gain a competitive advantage and avoid costly retrofits under time pressure.
Data centers as a lever for corporate sustainability
Data centers are not only a cost factor and source of risk—they are also a lever for corporate sustainability. An energy-efficient data center with low CO₂ emissions significantly improves the company's overall balance sheet. This is relevant for sustainability reports, ESG ratings, and investor relations.
Waste heat recovery is a concrete example: instead of dissipating heat unused, it can be used to heat buildings, greenhouses, or industrial processes. In Germany, there are already pilot projects in which data centers supply entire residential areas with district heating. Such projects not only reduce the ecological footprint, but also generate positive publicity and strengthen acceptance among the population.
The purchase of green electricity, the use of in-house photovoltaic systems, and the circular economy for hardware—for example, through the refurbishment of decommissioned servers—also contribute to sustainability. Companies that communicate these measures transparently position themselves as responsible players and gain the trust of customers, partners, and investors.
Considering safety and resilience
Physical security and failure protection
A secure data center protects not only against cyberattacks, but also against physical threats. Access controls, video surveillance, intrusion detection systems, and fire protection measures are basic requirements. Data centers in Germany must also be protected against natural hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, or storms.
Failure protection begins with redundant power supply. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and emergency power generators ensure that operations continue even in the event of power failures. Redundant cooling systems prevent air conditioning failures from leading to overheating and system crashes.
Climate risks are becoming increasingly important. Extreme heat waves pose challenges for cooling systems, while water shortages can affect the availability of cooling water. Future-proof data centers take these risks into account in their planning—for example, by using redundant cooling circuits that function independently of external water supplies.
Cybersecurity: KRITIS, NIS2, and Zero Trust
Data centers are highly attractive targets for cyberattacks. The concentration of critical systems and sensitive data makes them worthwhile targets for ransomware, espionage, and sabotage. The requirements for data center IT security are correspondingly high.
Special requirements apply to operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS). The EU's NIS2 Directive further tightens the requirements and expands the group of companies affected. Data centers must implement comprehensive security measures, report incidents, and conduct regular audits.
Zero trust architectures are also relevant in data centers. Instead of trusting a perimeter, each access is verified individually. Segmentation isolates critical systems, while microsegmentation prevents lateral movement by attackers. Monitoring and SIEM systems detect anomalies early on and enable rapid responses.
For companies in the DACH region, this means that data center compliance is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a factor in building trust. Customers expect their data to be stored securely. A secure data center is a competitive data center.
Specific areas of action for IT decision-makers
Roadmap for data center modernization: From the current state to the target vision
Step 1: Inventory and analysis of the current situation
Every modernization project begins with an honest assessment of the current situation. Take stock of the current state of your data center:
– How high is the energy consumption? What PUE value is achieved?
– How busy are servers, storage, and network components?
– Which hardware is outdated and inefficient?
– How is the architecture structured? Are there redundancies and fail-safe measures?
– What level of security is achieved? Are compliance requirements met?
This analysis provides the data basis for all further steps. It often reveals surprising inefficiencies—such as servers that have been running at 10 percent capacity for years, or cooling systems that consume significantly more energy than necessary.
Step 2: Define the target vision
Based on the actual analysis, define a target vision for your future-proof data center. This target vision should include concrete, measurable goals:
– Target PUE (e.g., below 1.3 by 2027)
– Availability targets (e.g., 99.9% uptime)
– Scalability (e.g., 50% capacity expansion possible without new construction)
– Compliance (e.g., full EnEfG and NIS2 compliance)
– Sustainability (e.g., 100% green electricity, waste heat utilization established)
The target vision serves as a guiding star for all modernization measures. It provides clarity about where the journey should lead and makes it possible to prioritize investments.
Step 3: Prioritize and implement measures
Not all measures can be implemented at the same time. Prioritize according to two criteria:
Quick wins: Measures that can be implemented quickly and have an immediate effect. Examples: Replacement of inefficient hardware, optimization of cooling parameters, virtualization of underutilized servers.
Long-term structural projects: Strategic investments that bring fundamental improvements. Examples: Conversion to modular construction, migration to an energy-efficient colocation data center, implementation of a comprehensive DCIM system.
A balanced roadmap combines both approaches: quick wins ensure short-term success and partially finance long-term projects. Structural projects lay the foundation for sustainable success.
Practical scenarios: Data center modernization in concrete terms
Scenario 1: Medium-sized manufacturing company modernizes on-premises data center
A medium-sized manufacturing company in Germany operates its own data center at its headquarters. The PUE value is 1.8, some of the hardware is over 10 years old, and energy costs are rising steadily. The company decides to modernize gradually:
- Hardware refresh: Outdated servers are being replaced with modern, energy-efficient systems. Virtualization is being consistently expanded.
- Cooling optimization: Installation of hot aisle containment and conversion to free cooling where possible.
- DCIM implementation: Introduction of a monitoring system for transparent consumption and utilization data.
- Green electricity procurement: Switch to 100% renewable energies.
After 18 months, the PUE drops to 1.4, energy costs are reduced by 30 percent, and the company meets the EnEfG requirements.
Scenario 2: Edge data centers for production sites
An industrial company with multiple production sites in Europe requires edge data centers for real-time data processing in the context of Industry 4.0. Sensor data from machines must be analyzed locally in order to optimize production processes.
The company opts for modular edge data centers in container design. These are set up at each production site and managed via a central management system. The advantages: low latency, local data processing, and high flexibility for future site expansions. At the same time, central workloads continue to be operated in the main data center or in the cloud.
Scenario 3: Migration from on-premises to colocation
A financial services provider operates its own data center, which is reaching its capacity limits. An expansion would be expensive and time-consuming. The company decides to migrate critical systems to a highly secure colocation data center in Germany.
The colocation data center offers a PUE of 1.2, Tier III certification, 100% green electricity, and meets all KRITIS and NIS2 requirements. The migration will take place in stages, starting with less critical workloads. Once completed, the company will benefit from lower energy costs, higher availability, and compliance security—without having to invest in its own infrastructure.
How Axso supports companies
Modernizing data centers is complex and resource-intensive. Many medium-sized companies do not have the internal capacity to handle all aspects—from planning and implementation to operation—on their own. As an experienced data center partner in Germany, Axsos supports you in setting up your data center infrastructure for the future.
Analysis and design: Your individual path to a future-proof data center
Axsos begins with a comprehensive analysis of your existing infrastructure. We record energy consumption, utilization, architecture, and security levels and identify potential for optimization. On this basis, we work with you to develop a target vision that fits your business goals, budget, and regulatory requirements.
Our data center consulting services in the DACH region include the design of modern, scalable infrastructures—whether on-premises, edge, hybrid, or colocation. We take current trends such as AI and cloud computing into account, as well as future developments, to ensure that your data center remains competitive not only today, but also in 5 to 10 years.
Implementation: Efficient, secure, and stable architectures
Axsos implements energy-efficient data center solutions using state-of-the-art technology. From hardware consolidation and cooling system optimization to the implementation of modular designs, we implement measures that increase efficiency, flexibility, and stability.
Our solutions also include scalable data center infrastructures for edge locations and hybrid scenarios. We integrate monitoring tools, automation solutions, and security technologies so that you can maintain an overview at all times and respond quickly to changes.
Managed Services: Taking the pressure off your IT teams
With Managed Services Data Center Germany, Axsos takes over the ongoing operation of your data center infrastructure. We take care of monitoring, maintenance, updates, and incident response—around the clock. Your internal team can concentrate on strategic tasks while we bear operational responsibility.
Our services also include predictive maintenance, capacity planning, and continuous optimization. We ensure that your data center is always up to date and achieves maximum efficiency.
Compliance and reporting: Secure through regulatory requirements
Axsos supports you in meeting regulatory requirements. We help you prepare for EnEfG audits, assist with reporting for the energy efficiency register, and ensure that your systems are NIS2 and KRITIS compliant.
Through transparent documentation, regular audits, and continuous optimization, we ensure data center compliance in Germany and throughout the DACH region. You can rest assured that your infrastructure will meet current and future requirements.
Freedom through technology: Axsos' promise
Axsos stands for freedom through technology. We believe that a future-proof data center is not only more efficient and secure, but above all creates freedom. Freedom for innovation, for growth, for strategic initiatives. When you don't have to worry about energy costs, compliance, or operational stability, you can focus on what really matters: your business.
With Axsos as your partner, you not only get technical solutions, but also a reliable companion on your journey to digital excellence. We understand the challenges you face and develop solutions that work—today and tomorrow.
Conclusion: Setting the course for the future now
Future-proof data centers are not a utopian dream—they are reality. Companies that invest in efficiency, flexibility, security, and sustainability today gain a decisive competitive advantage. They reduce costs, comply with regulatory requirements, strengthen their reputation, and create the technological basis for growth.
The challenges are real: rising energy costs, stricter regulations, growing data volumes, and increasing security requirements. But the solutions are just as real. Modern cooling concepts, hardware consolidation, modular designs, hybrid architectures, and intelligent automation make it possible to achieve all of these goals at the same time.
For IT decision-makers in the DACH region, the right time to act is now. The next few years will be decisive. Companies that modernize their data centers are positioning themselves for the challenges ahead. Companies that wait risk falling behind.
Start with an honest assessment of the current situation. Define a clear target vision. Prioritize measures according to their impact and feasibility. And find an experienced partner to accompany you on this journey. With the right strategy and the right solutions, you can create a data center that not only meets today's requirements, but also forms the basis for tomorrow's innovations.
Future-proof data centers combine efficiency and flexibility, security and sustainability, compliance and innovative strength. They are more than just infrastructure—they are strategic assets that create scope for growth and responsibility. That is freedom through technology. That is Axsos' vision.