Interxion has chosen to use 100% 'green energy' for its Zurich data center, signing up to receive electricity produced by solar and hydroelectric power from energy provider Energie Opfikon.

The colocation provider was already using some hydroeclectric-generated energy from the company, but had recently undergone an expansion which led it to take on the 100% offering.

It said it had seen reductions in its CO2 emissions as a result from 3,000 tonnes to 170 tonnes a year ÔÇô a decrease of 94% by using the energy produced using naturally flowing water.

The European colocation company recently added 7,500 sq ft of data center space to the ZUR1 facility and last year said it was going to add a redundant 20MVA power grid connection to its 2N UPS and N+1 generator redundancy. 

Interxion AG managing director Eddy Van den Broeck said the 'green energy' purchased through Energie Opfikon as part of the opfi.wassertop product are backed up by energy producer's proof of origin and is checked on a regular basis by independent auditors.

"For us, a commitment in the area of emissions reduction means much more than just sourcing renewable energy," Van den Broeck said.

That does not mean interest in renewable energy in Switzerland has been low.

At the recent DatacenterDynamics event in Zurich, delegates heard from a number of colocation providers which said they are looking to enhance their green credentials in the country.

Equinix general manager Marco Dottarelli said he was looking into ways to reduce its carbon emissions, possibly by using the data centers' excess heat to warm homes and business.