Data Centres and AI

Environmental NGOs, local campaigners and community groups are
increasingly testing the adequacy of the UK’s planning, environmental
assessment and grid‑capacity frameworks, positioning data‑centre
developments squarely at the intersection of green policy and digital
growth. Environmental disputes involving data centres in the UK are
increasing in volume and complexity. A landmark example is the legal
challenge concerning a proposed 90MW hyperscale centre that was due to be
built on a former landfill site in Iver, Buckinghamshire, just outside
London. Campaign groups Foxglove and Global Action Plan argued that
government officials failed to consider the environmental impact. Indeed,
ahead of the permission hearing, the UK Government was forced to admit its
planning approval for the data centre should be quashed, given the failure
to fully consider the climate impact. On 22 January 2026, the High Court
granted the campaigners permission for a judicial review claim to be held
later this year, marking the first UK legal challenge of its kind
specifically targeting the sustainability profile of a hyperscale
data‑centre project. However, the challenges are not limited to climate
impacts alone. Concerns frequently include: The high energy consumption of
data centres, which opponents say could increase local electricity prices
and strain regional grids. Water usage and heat generation, which are
increasingly relevant in an era of water stress and heightened scrutiny
over industrial cooling systems. Green Belt encroachment, where
environmental groups argue that inappropriate development and insufficient
environmental assessment. These disputes demonstrate a growing recognition
that digital infrastructure must now withstand the same level of
environmental scrutiny traditionally applied to heavy industry and energy.
A shift toward embedding climate‑positive features into the design and
operation of sites is becoming commercially and reputationally compelling.
For instance: Reusing waste heat: the diversion of excess server heat to
local district‑heating networks or community assets such as swimming
pools could generate a tangible community benefit that can ease local
resistance. Renewable energy integration (solar, wind): As regulatory and
investor expectations tighten, leading operators are increasingly pairing
facilities with on‑site solar generation or contracted renewable supply.
Heat‑pump‑based cooling and efficiency innovation: With
power‑usage‑effectiveness (PUE) metrics now central to sustainability
reporting, operators are investing in heat‑pump technologies and advanced
cooling systems to reduce water consumption and improve thermal efficiency.
Mandatory reporting obligations under emerging EU and UK regimes, including
waste‑heat utilisation, further support these investments. Sustainable
construction and green certifications: Developers are seeking to evidence
carbon‑sensitive approaches and secure investor confidence.

 Edie 16th Feb 2026 

 https://www.edie.net/the-rise-of-environmental-disputes-against-uk-data-centres-a-sustainability-led-litigation-landscape/