Proton Mail operates data centres around the world. Generally speaking, data centres have a big environmental impact: they use a lot of energy and water, generate huge amounts of waste and use huge amounts of critical raw materials. Without significant efforts, that trend is set to rise.

Proton is taking action to makes its operations more environmentally friendly. 

All of its sites comply with ISO 14001 (proving that they are taking proactive measures to minimise their environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve their environmental objectives) and ISO 50001 (demonstrating that they have adopted a systematic approach to improving their energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption).

Data centres heat up fast – meaning that they need efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating. This adds to data centres’ environmental impact. Air cooling systems are being replaced by much more efficient water-based ones. Proton uses Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), a technology that cools hardware directly with liquid. This can reduce power consumption by around 20%. The water is recirculated so as to minimise waste.

Proton also reduces power consumption by optimising the efficiency of its hardware.

Their business model factors in design for longevity, improved resource efficiency and extending the lifespan of hardware.