3 ways data center design will change in the future

Sustainability must be at the forefront of design

The more we rely on technology platforms in our daily lives, the more we need data centers to support that lifestyle. However, with climate change being society’s biggest and most dire global challenge, the intensive energy needs of data centers has come into question bringing with it emerging regulations, but also new innovation.

Climate consideration will soon be a compulsory criteria for all data centers. Gaining approval for building plans is becoming more complex as it involves a lengthy assessment where the sustainability features of the proposed facility need to be thorough and evidenced.

Frankfurt, for example, requires data centers to take up less space and have a green facade before they can get planning permission. IONOS has put this idea into play at its newest data center in Worcester, UK. Several sections of the site, like the ancillary buildings, substation, and bicycle shelter have green roofs. Furthermore, there are environmental protection areas in the business park with bug and bee hotels to encourage wildlife and nature to continue flourishing in the area.

CONSIDERING WHERE YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE LOCATED IS KEY.

New initiatives like the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact are encouraging operators and trade associations to go beyond sustainability targets and make their facilities carbon neutral by 2030. In addition to incorporating nature within the structure of a site, replacing legacy carbon-intensive building materials will be increasingly important in the future.

Uwe tells us that at the Worcester Six Business Park, “the carbon used to manufacture the cladding of the building was fully offset by the manufacturer. This was just a start for us — we’re looking into carbon reduced or completely carbon neutral concrete and steel for the future.”

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