Finland’s Big Idea: Using Data Center Heat
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Engineering
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Bloomberg Television
What it is
- In this video from Bloomberg Television, students will see how a data center in Helsinki is being used to generate heat for the city.
- Students will understand the importance of striking a balance between expansion and responsible resource management.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video ends with a powerful message about how we can define progress.
- Students will enjoy seeing the care some companies are taking to create data centers with sustainability in mind.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand how energy use is related to climate change.
- Students may benefit from understanding data centers and what they are used for.
Differentiation & Implementation
- While this is a great solution for cold climates, like Finland, students can discuss how this solution may not be feasible in warmer climates. Students can brainstorm potential solutions for warmer climates.
- Teachers can use this video in a larger discussion about AI, its growing energy needs, and its impact on the climate.
- Language arts teachers can use this lesson and teachers of other subjects can combine the video with this article.
- Students can look at climate data for U.S. cities and hypothesize where this solution could work in the United States and discuss the infrastructure required for this mitigation.
From the scientist review
This video (~11 min) from Bloomberg Originals explores how the city of Helsinki is capturing waste heat from data centers and using it to warm homes. Through interviews, thermal imagery, and real-world examples the video explains how Finland is turning an energy burden into a climate smart solution. While no original datasets are provided, the video is created by a trusted source and would be a great addition to a classroom discussion on clean energy and climate adaptation.
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