# Sustainability and Innovation in the Data Center Industry: Insights from Rob Ussher

By Vince Holland · Published 2024-11-26 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/sustainability-and-innovation-in-the-data-center-industry
Creator hub: Straight Outta Crumpton

> Data center operators are rebalancing operational demands with environmental accountability through efficiency-driven innovation

## Key points

- COVID-19 accelerated transformation in data center business operations and industry adaptations.
- Energy efficiency and sustainable practices are increasingly central to data center strategy.
- Strong team dynamics and customer relationships remain critical alongside technical innovation.

Block Field

The data center industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, spurred by the challenges of COVID-19 and an intensified focus on sustainable practices. These shifts have prompted innovations in energy efficiency and new strategies in business operations, reshaping how data centers address both technological demands and environmental responsibilities.

In this episode of [*Straight Outta Crumpton*](https://marketscale.com/shows/straight-outta-crumpton/), host [Greg Crumpton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/crumptonskilledtrades/) engages with **Rob Ussher**, the co-owner and Director of Sales for **Hanley Automation**, to explore [recent shifts](https://marketscale.com/industries/software-and-technology/generative-ai-demands-a-complete-data-center-transformation/) and [innovations within the data center industry](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/01/22/five-trends-driving-the-booming-data-center-economy-in-2024-and-why-investors-are-taking-notice/#:~:text=Innovation%20keeps%20the%20industry%20moving%20forward.&text=Liquid%20cooling%E2%80%94vital%20for%20high,unnecessary%20and%20allowing%20hybrid%20cooling.). This discussion unfolds in the context of evolving business strategies post-COVID and the increasing importance of sustainable practices in data centers.

Rob Ussher shares his journey and the transformative strategies at Hanley Automation, focusing on the impacts of COVID-19 on business operations and industry adaptations. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of data centers, including energy efficiency and sustainability, while also touching on the human elements of business—team dynamics, customer relationships, and adapting to new market realities.

Tags: data center industry, Greg Crumpton, Hanley Automation, Rob Ussher, Straight Outta Crumpton

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