E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

ata centres enable

As a building use in the built environment , data centres have a comparable high energy and produce large amounts of excess heat . Across the sector , new technologies are constantly being developed to minimise heat waste and maximise solutions for surplus heat . Over the last few years , cooling techniques have been a primary focus for operators to cut back on carbon , alongside regional regulations halting developments in efforts to prioritise decarbonisation – but there is untapped potential in other areas .

“ Heat decarbonisation in buildings is a huge challenge , and one that is often fundamentally misunderstood – heat networks are the only internationally proven route for decarbonising heat at scale , yet most people don ’ t know what they are ,” said Matthew Basnett , Heat Network Policy Lead , Association for Decentralised Energy ( ADE ).

We ’ ve observed how effective this can be from Deep Green ’ s recent initiative of providing free heat for energy-intensive organisations like leisure centres , consequently receiving free cooling .

This resourcefulness amplifies the benefits data centres can have on local communities and wider societies .

Whether its architectural alterations in the design phase , or governmentfunded plans to encourage efficient engineering , as regulatory deadlines for carbon neutrality creep ever closer , progressive changes for a sustainable future may seem closer than we think .

To get further insight into heat reuse and what ’ s next for the industry , we speak to Alex Soto , Associate Director & Head of Sustainability , studioNWA ; Salih Toyran , Director , Mission Critical Business Lead , chapmanbdsp ; and Mohammad Royapoor , Head of R & D , Red Engineering .

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