It might feel like a new fad, but data centres are very much here to stay’so how we design them into the environment is absolutely crucial.
While AI is scratching its metaphorical head to guess how much data there will be (32,000 Zettabytes or so by 2050) the bottom end of the range tends to start at the total power consumption we have today. Globally. Which is a lot.
I’ve been rather deflated by the incrementalist approaches applied to thinking about data centres. Thinking about them meeting current green building certification doesn’t cut it when we’re talking about hosting MULTIPLES of GLOBAL POWER production. (Although clearly that’s better than having them secretly spewing out emissions and sucking the water table dry.)
Which is why I was interested to see the announcement from China about underwater data centres. And not just because it has quasi-James Bond vibes, but because it’s talking about 90% power reductions. Which is about 90% of the way there.
There’s some really good examples of sensitive design close to where I live – like the Norwich Research Park whose energy efficient data centre will recover waste heat for the university.
And yes, there are all sorts of quirky upcycled sites, from hollow mountains (aha, Mr Bond again…) to disused power plants and paper mills.
But I’m fascinated by the potential for transformative redesign of data centres rather than a sprinkling of 20th Century innovation.
Where’s the NaturePositive WaterPositive datacentre?
Where’s the datacentre that supports horticulture, heats new towns, and catalyses grid infrastructure improvements?
When we hear about the millions being spent on data centres “adding to the economy”, how are we translating that into multiples of co-benefits for communities?
PS: If you’re writing a transition plan, or have one on the horizon, download our free guide to the Transition Elephant in the room – or come along to one of our Workshops.