SDCA Breakfast Session 2026: Sustainable Data Center Infrastructure – From Cooling to Energy Integration
On 10 June 2026, the Swiss Data Center Association (SDCA) welcomed industry leaders, experts and decision-makers to The Hive in Meyrin for the second SDCA Breakfast Session of the year.
Hosted by HIAG and supported by technology partner NorthC, the event focused on one of the most important topics shaping the future of the digital economy: how data centers are evolving into a key component of sustainable energy ecosystems.
The morning brought together representatives from the data center, energy, technology and real estate sectors to discuss innovative approaches to infrastructure development, cooling technologies, energy efficiency and the integration of data centers into regional energy systems.
Expert Insights from Across the Industry
Participants gained valuable perspectives from leading industry experts:
- Patrick Japhet (HIAG) presented current and future data center developments in Switzerland, highlighting growth opportunities across both Romandie and German-speaking regions.
- Xavier Taillemite (HPE) explored practical sustainability concepts and local energy loop models that help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Ronald van den Bosch (NorthC) shared insights into the design of sustainable data centers, including innovative approaches to residual heat recovery and future energy integration.
- Glen Mason (STACK Infrastructure) demonstrated how sustainability can be embedded throughout the entire data center lifecycle, from planning and construction to long-term operations.
A lively panel discussion and Q&A session provided additional opportunities for participants to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Data Centers as Part of the Energy Ecosystem
A central theme throughout the event was the changing role of data centers. Far beyond serving as digital infrastructure, modern facilities are increasingly becoming active contributors to local energy systems through efficient cooling technologies, waste heat recovery and integration into district energy networks.
The discussions highlighted how collaboration between technology providers, developers, utilities and policymakers is essential to unlocking the full sustainability potential of future data center projects.
Networking and Knowledge Exchange
The session concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to continue discussions and build valuable connections across industries.
The SDCA would like to thank all speakers, participants and partners for making this Breakfast Session a great success. Special thanks go to HIAG for hosting the event and NorthC for their valued partnership and support.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and welcoming the community to future SDCA events.
We want your ideas: Help shape the next SDCA Breakfast Sessions.
Do you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future sessions? We would like to develop the format together with our members and welcome your suggestions. Let us know which topics interest you or which companies you would like to get to know better, and we will be happy to consider them for future events.
Simply send your suggestions and ideas by email to marketing@sdca.ch.
