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Feature - Data centre growth requires sustainable thinking

The development of AI is having a huge impact on almost every industry, and none more so than within data centres. It is expected that global data centre electricity demand will have doubled by 2026 due to the growth in AI. So, how do we ensure our data centres are operating as efficiently as possible? Russell Dailey, Global Business Development Manager, Data Centres at Distech Controls, explains. We are generating more and more data in all aspects of lives, whether that’s through our business operations, the use of social media and even our shopping habits with the growth of e-commerce. Our new dependence on web services and digital infrastructure requires a greater number of data centres, and we need them to operate more reliably and efficiently than ever before. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, data centres used 460 terawatt hours of electricity, and it expects this figure to double in just four years. Data centres could be using a total of 1,000 terawatt hours annually by 2026. This demand for electricity has a lot to do with the growth in AI technology. In a similar way to how the growth of e-commerce drove uptake for large industrial warehouses, AI is expected to more than double the need for global data centre storage capacity by 2027, according to JLL’s Data Centres 2024 Global Outlook. As data centres contribute substantially to global electricity consumption, more facilities are seeking to adopt enhanced sustainability strategies. To achieve net zero emissions targets or other environmental objectives, data centre companies must invest heavily in energy efficiency measures. A Building Management System (BMS) can form the cornerstone of these efforts, providing insights into energy usage and helping to reduce unnecessary energy waste with enhanced operational efficiency. Data centres are unique buildings, and a BMS within this environment requires careful planning and implementation. Let’s be open In the past, building systems have traditionally been proprietary and not flexible like open systems. Proprietary systems speak different languages, resulting in incomplete visibility, data, and reliability, and leave you tied to one, often expensive, service provider. However, that is changing, and open systems are becoming ever more popular in commercial buildings and have numerous benefits for data centres.Systems offer monitoring and analytics at the local controller, reducing network complexity, increasing redundancy and security. With Distech Controls, operators can keep their facility at optimal performance through a proven IP-based solution that creates a more secure and flexible network enabling easy integration of systems with a wide range of IT and business applications. Distech Controls’ commitment to open protocols and industry IT standards, combined with its best-in-breed technology, creates a sustainable foundation that supports and evolves with a building system’s life cycle. Efficient and forward thinking Open systems also have an effect on the sustainability of a data centre. They can bring everything together in a cohesive and centralized fashion allowing users to visualise information, assess relationships, establish benchmarks and then optimise energy efficiency accordingly. Distech Controls’ solutions meet even the most demanding data centre control requirements (even remotely) via fully programmable controls and advanced graphical configuration capabilities. They leverage technology such as RESTful API, BACnet IP, connected controllers, and unified systems, to help future-ready your data centre as technology continues to advance. The importance of security The smarter buildings become, the greater the importance of cyber security. There are some fundamentals that building owners and system integrators need to consider when it comes to the security of their BMS. As a starting point, the devices or operational technology (OT) should be on a different network to the IT system as they have separate security requirements and various people need to access them. As an example, contractors overseeing BMS devices do not need access to HR information. Each device should be locked down securely so they can only communicate in the way that is required. There should be no unnecessary inbound or outbound traffic from the devices. This links neatly to monitoring. It is vital to monitor the devices after installation and commissioning to ensure there is no untoward traffic to the devices that could threaten a buildings or company’s security. Some manufacturers, such as, Distech Controls, are ensuring its products are secure straight out of the box. Security features are built directly into hardware and software like TLS 256- bit encryption, built-in HTTPS server and HTTPS certificates. For instance, the ECLYPSE APEX incorporates a secure boot and additional physical security measures to help overcome today’s security challenges. Distech Controls’ solutions are specified by leading web service providers because of their high resiliency, flat IP system architecture and open protocol support. They also incorporate the right technologies to comply with the most stringent cybersecurity standards as well as RESTful API / MQTT for OT/IT interoperability purposes. These attributes allow data centre operators, integrators, and contractors the freedom to choose the best-in-class solutions for their data centre’s infrastructure management services. These advanced features enable significant operational efficiency improvements and energy cost reductions for data centre owners and managers. AI technology is already having a revolutionary effect in business and our personal lives. At Distech Controls, we are utilising its capabilities, and it is clear that this revolution is going to require more data centres. We need to look at ways we can make these specialist buildings as efficient as possible. Utilising an intelligent and open BMS is essential.

How Telehouse is bridging the gap for new industry entrants

Recently, a group of computer science students from Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill embarked on a unique journey. Their destination? Telehouse’s data centre. Unravelling the mystery In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, data centres stand as the silent guardians of our digital lives. Behind every video call, every cloud-based service, and every online transaction, there lies a complex network of data centres ensuring seamless connectivity. Yet, for many people, data centres remain shrouded in mystery and symbolically imperceptible. And this has created a gap between people and the access to these digital warehouses. What that means for the data centre industry is a sprouting, yet pressing challenge: A lack of people in the industry to operate and maintain data centres. The industry is grappling with skills shortages and the need for fresh talent, while searching for ways to actively bridge the gap for new entrants. Judy Gosnell, HR Director at Telehouse, shares that some organisations in the data centre sector have found themselves unable to deploy workers in critical functions and push forward with technological progress. To understand this situation further, Isha Jain, Editor of DCNN visited Telehouse, a global colocation provider, on its mission to tackle the challenge. A day at Telehouse’s data centre Telehouse invited a group of computer science students to embark on a day trip to its data centre campus. The aim was to inspire, empower and engage the next generation of employees, and to bridge the gap by helping more people pursue fulfilling data centre careers. As these students stepped inside, their initial confusion gave way to awe. Who knew that behind the whirring boxes and blinking lights, there was a world of purpose? Interestingly, not all of the students were fully aware of the role data centres play in society – and how they contribute to their daily lives. All confusion faded when the students learned how data centres facilitate the most critical digital functions that we have all come to rely on. The Telehouse team showcased how behind every video conferencing application is a server powering it, and behind every server is an IT professional that maintains it, an electrical engineer to ensure the right level of power, and a mechanical engineer maintaining the cooling system to prevent overheating. Data centre buildings like theirs operate 24/7 and require different skills to ensure everything runs smoothly, which means there’s a variety of career options and pathways to get involved. How graduates can become involved Denis Coskun, a graduate mechanical engineer at Telehouse was one of the people who did not fully grasp the range of options for mechanical engineers in the data centre industry. Only four months new, he had joined Telehouse after his degree from Nottingham University. Denis shares, “People have a preconceived, stereotypical idea of what engineers do. I’m from Hackney, and I know that in many neighbourhoods, an engineer is seen as someone who fixes the digital box of tricks for the TV. A career in engineering isn’t linear – it can open so many opportunities. For example, my own interest came through work experience at a multi-discipline engineering firm, where I worked from mechanical to electrical, and everything in between.” He also elaborated on how no two days at his job are alike. Some days, Denis is on-site, working on benchmarks and walk-arounds, and on others he could be doing scoping work. He gets a mixture of learning and hands-on experience. Denis is currently doing computational fluid dynamics work for one of the data halls in the building, ensuring cooling airflows are properly distributed around the equipment. There’s no hiding from the scale of the digital skills shortage we currently face, says Judy. But when asked about the anxieties of starting out in an industry that feels distant for students, Denis shares, “I’m very glad I joined Telehouse. I’m one of the youngest people in the company, and like to ask a lot of questions, but everyone here is ready to share their expertise with me. The data centre industry will play a crucial role in the way societies develop and solve some of the human race’s biggest challenges. I’m looking forward to being part of it.” The future beckons As Telehouse continues to innovate and expand, it remains committed to nurturing talent. The data centre industry, at the nexus of our data-driven universe, holds immense potential. For Denis and others like him, it’s not just a job — it’s a chance to shape the digital landscape, enhance well-being, and tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. So, the next time you hear about data centres, remember the unseen heroes behind the screens—the engineers, the IT professionals, and the visionaries. Telehouse is opening doors and windows, inviting new entrants to join this exciting journey. Are you ready to step inside?