As the demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, data centers are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact and maintain efficiency while achieving the same reliability at reduced cost. Does that sound like too much of a squeeze? It’s where the industry has been headed for a while, but balancing these demands has been the part where hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers has been the goal as the facilities are viewed as assets instead of cost centers by all involved.
The thought of a "Lean Green Data Center" emphasizes minimizing waste and first cost, maximizing resource efficiency, and integrating sustainable practices into the aspects of construction and operation. Building a Lean Green Data Center is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for businesses committed to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of a green data center. By implementing advanced cooling technologies such as higher temperatures, liquid cooling, free-air cooling, and heat recovery systems, data centers can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, designing facilities with optimal airflow management and using energy-efficient servers can enhance performance while cutting overall power usage. It’s not always about the PUE, its about the overall energy efficiency no matter the components and systems involved.
Example: Facebook's data center in Luleå, Sweden, utilizes Arctic air for cooling, achieving a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.07.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is critical for reducing carbon footprints. Many data centers now operate on 100% renewable energy via renewable energy credits to offset their usage.
Example: Google has achieved carbon neutrality by powering its global operations with renewable energy and investing in carbon offset projects.
A lean green data center embraces the principles of the circular economy by reusing and recycling materials. Decommissioned servers and components can be refurbished, resold, or recycled to minimize electronic waste. The same is true for most electrical and mechanical equipment.
Example: Dell Technologies operates a take-back program for IT equipment, ensuring old hardware is responsibly recycled or refurbished. Others also do the same, such as HPE offering to replace with more efficient servers.
Reducing water usage is another critical aspect of sustainable data center design. Implementing closed loop cooling systems and utilizing reclaimed or non-potable water sources can help conserve freshwater. This should be balanced with the energy goals, as reducing water use can increase the energy performance of the overall data center.
Example: U.S. federal government data centers have implemented strategies to use recycled water in its cooling systems, significantly reducing its impact on local water supplies.
Real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI) are game changers for monitoring and improving data center efficiency. AI can help predict equipment failures, optimize cooling systems, and balance workloads to reduce energy consumption dynamically. Each AI tool may need to be set up for specific systems and monitoring, as batching everything together under one umbrellas may lead to unneeded complexities.
Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) uses intricate pre-AI software management tools to optimize its energy usage and reduce operational costs.
Adhering to certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ensures that data centers meet high environmental standards. From construction materials to energy systems, LEED certification promotes sustainable practices.
Example: The Switch Pyramid data center in Michigan is a LEED Platinum-certified facility, showcasing its commitment to sustainability through reuse and adherence to LEED guidelines.
Data centers that cannot completely eliminate emissions can invest in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy development. Transparent reporting and accountability are essential to demonstrate progress toward sustainability goals.
Example: Equinix publishes annual sustainability reports detailing its carbon reduction strategies and achievements. This had led the company take a stronger stance to reduce their overall energy consumption that is passed along to customers.
Building a data center is a significant investment, and managing the first costs for a green data center is just as crucial for project viability. While sustainability and efficiency are priorities, they don't have to come at the expense of cost control.
Managing first costs in data center construction requires strategic planning, careful design choices, and a focus on the aspects of scalability versus flexibility. By leveraging modular designs, optimizing equipment selection, and employing energy-efficient systems, companies can build high-performing data centers while keeping the costs under control. Balancing cost management with long-term sustainability is key to achieving a lean green data center.
Modular construction allows data centers to be built in scalable sections, reducing upfront costs by aligning investment with immediate capacity needs. Prefabricated components, such as power modules and cooling units, are manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, cutting construction time and labor costs.
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Example: Compass Datacenters uses modular construction to deliver facilities at a lower cost and faster timeline than conventional builds.
Choosing the right site can significantly impact construction costs. Factors such as land prices, local utility rates, tax incentives, and climate conditions should all be considered. Locations with cooler climates can reduce cooling system costs, while regions offering tax breaks for green initiatives can lower overall expenses. Additionally, shipping, ease of permitting, and more can make the difference in the time and cost of project delivery.
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Example: Facebook’s data center in Prineville, Oregon, benefits from the area’s cool climate and favorable energy rates.
1. Simplified Building Designs
Eliminating unnecessary architectural complexity reduces material and labor costs. Functional, minimalist designs that prioritize operational efficiency over aesthetics can save millions without affecting performance. While this may mean a brutalist-style design, it can save time and cost for the project; if needed, visitors centers or other public spaces may be the place to invest in architectural features.
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2. Energy-Efficient Systems from Day One
Investing in energy-efficient systems prior and during construction may increase upfront costs slightly but leads to significant savings over the facility’s lifecycle. Strategies like using high-efficiency cooling, lighting, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) in HVAC systems can lower operational expenses and reduce total cost of ownership significantly.
Example: Implementing free-air cooling can reduce the need to operate chillers year-round, especially in regions with cool climates.
3. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
Where possible, retrofitting or repurposing existing buildings can save on construction costs. Warehouses, industrial facilities, or office buildings with robust structural, power, and cooling capabilities can be adapted into data centers at a fraction of the cost of new builds.
Example: Digital Realty has successfully converted older buildings into modern data centers, reducing construction timelines and costs.
4. Optimized Power and Cooling Systems
Right-sizing power and cooling systems for current needs helps avoid overbuilding. For instance, deploying scalable UPS systems and modular cooling units can prevent overinvestment in capacity that won’t be used for years. While flexibility and/or scalability may be reduced, the overall project cost will be more predictable against the final facility use.
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5. Streamlining Permits and Approvals
Delays in permits and approvals can increase construction costs. Engaging local authorities early and ensuring compliance with zoning, environmental, and building regulations can streamline the process to reduce time between project phases.
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6. Partnering with Experienced Contractors
Experienced contractors specializing in data center construction can identify cost-saving opportunities and avoid common pitfalls. Their expertise ensures the project is completed on time and within budget.
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