Sustainability Consultant Stanislava Borisová on rethinking redundancies, the operational energy misconception, and why curiosity matters more than ever
This interview is part of our Women in Data Centres series for International Women's Day 2026. Subscribe to Data Centre Perspective for monthly industry insights and exclusive interviews.
Stanislava Borisová, Sustainability Consultant and founder of her own consultancy, came to data centres through what she calls "a lucky coincidence"—a move from the Netherlands to Scandinavia and a role at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.
Her focus on data centre sustainability, industrial symbioses, waste heat utilisation, and life cycle assessment has given her a unique perspective on an industry racing to balance growth with environmental responsibility. In this conversation, she challenges the operational energy obsession, explains why systems thinking is critical, and shares what excites her most about the future.
A Lucky Coincidence That Led to Purpose
Stani's entry into data centres wasn't planned—it was serendipitous.
"I was looking to move from the Netherlands to Scandinavia and got a job at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, working on topics of data centre sustainability, industrial symbioses related to waste heat from data centres and life cycle assessment," she explains.
What began as a geographical relocation became a career-defining focus. The research role gave her deep exposure to the environmental challenges and opportunities within the sector—topics that would shape her entire professional trajectory.
Her biggest career turning point came when she made the leap from researcher to consultant and started her own company.
"Some of the most important skills have been understanding complex systems, communicating well and being organised," she reflects.
It's a move that allowed her to translate research insights into practical, actionable guidance for an industry grappling with its environmental footprint.
AI, Complexity, and the Rise of Environmental Solutions
Since Stani started in the sector, one shift stands out: the prevalence of artificial intelligence.
"AI has become much more prevalent, which has increased the technical complexity in terms of components used, cooling methods, refresh rates, etc." she says.
But what excites her most isn't the complexity itself—it's the response.
"What excites me most is the rate at which like-minded professionals focused on the environment shed light on the environmental impact of data centres and bring about practical solutions."
In an industry often criticised for its resource consumption, Stani sees growing momentum toward genuine sustainability innovation—driven not just by regulation, but by practitioners committed to finding better ways forward.
The Operational Energy Misconception
One of Stani's biggest frustrations is a widespread misconception: that operational energy is everything when it comes to data centre environmental impact.
"The share of its overall impact depends very much on the data centre's location," she explains.
It's a nuanced point that challenges simplistic narratives. Yes, energy consumption matters—but embodied carbon in materials, water usage, equipment manufacturing, and end-of-life disposal all contribute to total environmental impact.
Where a data centre is built, what grid it connects to, and how equipment is sourced and managed fundamentally shape its true footprint. For Stani, effective sustainability requires understanding the full system, not fixating on a single metric.
The Skills That Will Matter: Processes, Systems, Curiosity
Looking ahead, Stani believes three skills will be most valuable over the next five years:
"I think the most valuable skills will be understanding processes, having systems thinking and curiosity to continuously learn more," she says.
It's a perspective shaped by her own experience. Data centres don't exist in isolation—they're interconnected systems embedded within energy grids, supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and client demands. Leaders who can see those connections and understand how changes ripple through complex systems will be best positioned to drive meaningful progress.
Curiosity, in particular, matters in an industry evolving as rapidly as this one. Technologies change, regulations tighten, client expectations shift. Staying effective requires continuous learning and genuine interest in understanding how things work.
Goal-Focused Leadership with Trust and Transparency
Stani's leadership style has been described by others as focused and pragmatic.
"As a leader, I've been described as someone who is good at staying focused on the goal and not getting caught up in details," she says. "I like to help my teammates when they need support, but also give them free rein and trust them to do their work."
It's a balance between providing direction and empowering autonomy—recognising that micromanagement stifles the very expertise you've hired people for.
One thing she's had to unlearn? Assuming people automatically understand what she means when she asks for something.
"What I had to unlearn was assuming that people know exactly what I mean when I ask them for something. Instead, I try to discuss the objectives and expectations more and encourage questions and transparency."
Clear communication isn't about control—it's about creating shared understanding so teams can execute effectively.
Managing Pressure Through Prioritisation and Exercise
How does Stani balance competing demands in high-pressure environments?
"I try not to work reactively, but rather prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency," she says.
It's a disciplined approach that prevents the urgent from constantly crowding out the important. But she's also learned that managing pressure isn't purely about work strategies.
"I also do my best to exercise, as it really helps me reduce stress during high-pressure times."
Physical well-being and mental resilience are interconnected—a lesson echoed by several leaders in this series. Sustainable performance requires sustainable practices, both professionally and personally.
Rethinking Redundancies and Equipment Utilisation
When asked what excites her most about the future of data centres, Stani's answer is refreshingly specific.
"I think the biggest opportunities for data centres lie in rethinking redundancies, populating their sites depending on clients' actual needs, utilising their equipment in line with equipment's real performance, and actively looking to refurbish it not only to save money, but also reduce their demand for materials and minerals."
It's an approach that challenges conventional thinking. The industry often defaults to maximum redundancy and over-provisioning, but what if data centres were designed more dynamically, sized appropriately for actual workloads, and committed to extending equipment life?
"I'm excited to see that happen!" she says.
For Stani, the path forward isn't just about adopting new cooling technologies or switching to renewable energy—though those matter. It's about fundamentally rethinking how data centres are designed, operated, and refreshed with sustainability embedded from the start.
Her Advice: Be Curious, Ask Questions, Network
For women considering opportunities in data centres, Stani's advice is concise and actionable:
"Be curious, ask a lot of questions, try to get a good understanding of how things work, network."
It's guidance rooted in her own experience.
Curiosity opens doors. Questions lead to understanding. Networks create opportunities and support. And truly grasping how complex systems work positions you to contribute meaningfully—whether you're focused on operations, design, strategy, or sustainability.
In an industry where so much is changing so quickly, those fundamentals matter more than ever.
Systems Thinking for a Sustainable Future
Stani's career is a reminder that some of the most important work in data centres isn't just about building bigger or faster—it's about building smarter, more sustainable, and more responsible infrastructure.
Her focus on life cycle assessment, industrial symbiosis, and holistic environmental impact brings a critical perspective to an industry often judged by single metrics. By challenging misconceptions, advocating for systems thinking, and pushing for practical sustainability solutions, she's helping shape a future where data centres don't just enable digital transformation—they do so responsibly.
For those willing to question assumptions, understand complexity, and stay curious, the opportunity to drive real change has never been greater.
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This interview was brought together for our Women in Data Centres spotlight series for International Women’s Day 2026.
At Eligo, we work closely with data centre developers, operators, consultancies and contractors across the UK and Europe, supporting the growth of technical, design and delivery teams in one of the world’s fastest-moving sectors.
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