2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit: In-depth Rewind

Sessions at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit

The conference boasted an outstanding roster of visionaries who delivered their messages through interactive presentations and panel discussions. The interactive sessions were a motivating learning experience wherein the participants had the opportunity to learn practical ideas and creative solutions to apply to their organizations. This segment explores the key sessions and speakers at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit that made this conference a worthwhile learning experience for all the participants:

Adapting Data Center Design to Evolving Regulations and Future Growth Needs

Speaker: Lex COORS, Chief Data Center Technology and Engineering Officer, President of EUDCA, Digital Realty

The speaker provided detailed information on how to overcome the EU directive and standardisation on modern data centre design. Besides, the speaker underscored the importance of balancing attempts to preserve the European Green Deal in attaining the highest level of certification. It includes the EU Code of Conduct for Data Centres and BREEAM. Further, the speaker stressed the requirement of scalable infrastructure and modular design thinking to support changing technologies. Stress was laid upon the significance of engaging stakeholders towards the development of innovative products responding to regulatory demands as well as operational demands.

Design Strategies for Energy and Water Management in Data Centres

Speaker: Béla WALDHAUSER, CEO, Telehouse Deutschland GmbH

The speaker delivered critical information concerning the understanding and enhancement of PUE and WUE metrics for data centers. In addition, the speaker outlined the growing widespread problem of water scarcity in Europe and explored the largely underplayed relationship between the generation of power and the utilization of water. Additionally, the session provided learners with a site selection checklist for hands-on practicality for water-based cooling system usage. This gave them valuable information necessary to make eco-friendly choices without compromising operational effectiveness.

Re-use of Existing Buildings and Infrastructure with a Reference to Heritage/Protected Structures

Speaker: Nils WETZEL, Head of TMT (Technology Media Telecom), Drees & Sommer

The presenter investigated new ways of reusing existing structures for data center purposes. It was accompanied by particular emphasis on heritage and protected buildings. In addition, the speaker also presented ways of achieving a balance between preservation requirements and modern technological needs, with excellent examples of successful case studies where historic authenticity was maintained along with operational effectiveness. The presenter also emphasized the capacity of adaptive reuse to reduce the environmental impact. This is while creating unique, character-driven buildings that benefit both the industry and local communities.

Transitioning to Liquid Cooling: Impacts on Data Center Design

Speaker: Stefano LENA, Cooling Technical Innovation Expert, Schneider Electric

The presenter at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit gave a careful analysis of the critical modifications required when transitioning from air-cooled to liquid-cooled IT infrastructure. Furthermore, the session outlined certain challenges that liquid cooling poses to conventional chilled water systems. It also presented feasible solutions and architectures to mitigate these challenges. The presenter also peered into the future to anticipate emerging challenges based on current trends in the industry. This gave attendees forward-looking strategies for implementing successful liquid cooling solutions in their data centers.

Minimizing the Environmental Impact in Data Centre Architecture

Speaker: Marie CHABANON, EUDCA Board Member and Deputy Chair of the EUDCA Technical Committee, DATA4

The speaker provided steps to align data center design with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. This is with an emphasis on carbon footprint measurement and reduction strategies. Furthermore, she addressed ecodesign principles specifically developed for data center equipment that is EU-compliant. The speaker also provided steps to utilize effective software tools and operational procedures. These maximize efficiency throughout data storage and usage. So, it gave a comprehensive framework for sustainable data center design.

Next Gen VRLA Battery Solutions

Speaker: Alfred APSE, Product Manager, Energy Solutions, Exide Technologies

The presenter provided important points about the changing future of data center battery backup and storage solutions. Furthermore, he discussed emerging trends and disruptors like new regulations in Europe, innovation in lithium technology, and evaluated their consequent impacts. The presenter highlighted how EU battery producers are addressing these problems and introduced the advantages of new technology for data centres and UPS systems. This gave delegates useful information on which to base their decisions concerning their backup power systems.

How to Take Sustainability Off the Value Engineering Hit List?

Speaker: Franziska MARSHALL, Senior Project Manager, Pure Data Centres

The presenter touched on the dynamics of corporate sustainability objectives and the achievement of project-level sustainability objectives. Moreover, she shared practical solutions for how to bring sustainability measures to the design and construction stages, locating common hurdles, and proposing solutions. Additionally, the presenter showcased how to develop contextual Lifecycle Assessments and use results to inform project objectives. This gave participants useful strategies to maintain elements of sustainability to conduct value engineering processes sustainably.

Fireside Chat

Speaker: Francesco SELLARO, Senior Manager, Construction, Equinix

The speaker relished an unstructured exchange of actual issues and challenges in data center development today. Furthermore, he relied on first-hand experience and insights as a head of large-scale construction projects in Equinix, tackling pragmatic solutions to real-world issues. The speaker also presented insightful perspectives on industry best practices, cutting-edge construction technology, and stakeholder management. This gives attendees practical learning from one of the industry’s top construction experts.

Constructing the AI-Ready Data Centre

Speaker: Alberto ZUCCHINALI, Senior Sales Technical Manager, Siemon

The speaker defined next-generation data center-optimized network architecture by AI. Furthermore, the speaker defined the shift from existing infrastructure to AI-optimized infrastructure. It made mention of the most essential design considerations, as well as threats. Moreover, the speaker presented scalable high-performance solutions, which were tailored especially for HPC and AI workloads. This provides the audience with a clear map for constructing infrastructure capable of hosting future AI application needs.

Panel Discussion: Propelling Data Center Delivery: Rethinking How We Build at Scale

Speakers: Reid SENESCU – VP Product, Doxel, Francesco SELLARO – Senior Manager, Construction, Equinix, Michael HOLM – Data Centers Global Sector Lead, Telia, Béla WALDHAUSER – CEO, Telehouse Deutschland GmbH

The panelists at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit explored new methods of accelerating data center buildouts without sacrificing quality and reliability. Furthermore, they shared learnings from their different backgrounds on streamlining project delivery. This is from design optimization to construction deployment and technology integration. Additionally, the speakers discussed new methods and tools to boost coordination, remove roadblocks, and enable cross-team collaboration. This gave participants practical directions as to how to reduce time-to-market in their installations of data centers.

Revolutionizing Data Centers with Liquid Cooling: Efficiency, Sustainability, and Profitability

Speaker: Janice IWA, CEO, Neurair

The speaker described emerging liquid cooling technologies that support AI-based and high-density computing environments. She described how next-generation cooling performance can be achieved through low-cost, scalable liquid cooling infrastructure. Moreover, the speaker demonstrated brief ROI studies demonstrating how such technology offers lower operating expenses, increased capacity, and high reliability in the long term. Her presentation provided participants with beneficial information for deploying liquid cooling solutions. This is in a way that ensures performance needs are matched with sustainability goals.

Energy Efficiency in European Data Centres: Codes of Conduct and Regulatory Framework

Speaker: Iolanda SAVIUC, European Commission Scientific Officer

The presentation provided a good representation of the EU Code of Conduct on energy efficiency in Data Centres and its complementarity with Article 12 of the Energy Efficiency Directive. Furthermore, she outlined additional regulatory requirements within the EU Taxonomy and described voluntary measures. It includes the EU Code of Conduct for energy efficiency in broadband devices. Additionally, the speaker provided the audience with important information on current and upcoming regulations around European data centers. This will help them to better manage the complex regulatory environment.

Carbon-Negative Concrete Technology for Sustainable Data Centers

Speaker: Artjoms SMIRNOVS, Head of Marketing & Strategic Accounts, PrimX

The speaker introduced new carbon-negative concrete technologies for data center construction. The speaker described environmental benefits, strength improvements, and cost considerations in using such new materials. Moreover, previous applications in real data center construction projects were referenced. It includes the performance outcomes and sustainability effects. Furthermore, the talk disseminated helpful data among participants to utilize carbon-negative concrete in their structures. It helps to accomplish both sustainability goals as well as operational requirements.

Liquid Cooling: Financial Insights and Practical Guidance for New and Existing Sites

Speaker: Maciek SZADKOWSKI, Chief Technology Officer, DCX Liquid Cooling Systems

The presenter at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit provided detailed information on implementing direct chip and immersion cooling systems in data centers. Furthermore, he presented common data hall topologies and deployment strategies specifically suited for liquid cooling technologies. The presenter also provided detailed cost analyses that outline the advantages of liquid cooling for new builds and retrofits. So, his field-level knowledge provided participants with useful information to implement. This is in achieving the maximum efficiency of cooling, reducing operational costs, and deploying liquid cooling systems.

Unlocking Sustainability: A Journey Inside a Cutting-Edge Datacenter

Speaker: Michael HOLM, Global Sector Lead, Data Centers, Telia

Here, the speaker guided the delegates on a virtual tour of a sustainable, future-proof data center and how location choice affects climate and efficiency. He described techniques in innovative integration with the grid, including UPS systems and the electricity networks’ behavior. Furthermore, the speaker demonstrated how waste heat might be harvested from a byproduct to be utilized as an asset. He presented the particular power and cooling demands of AI equipment. This gave delegates tangible, real-world examples of sustainability in operation.

From Blueprints to Reality: Engineering Giga-Scale Data Centers Across Europe

Speaker: Ryan CRAWFORD, Industry Expert

The presenter provided lessons learned from designing 1GW data centers in the current regulatory and energy complexity of the environment. He applied field lessons learned to solutions to issues like grid delay, permitting delay, weather damage, and contractor coordination. Furthermore, the presenter critically assessed engineering trade-offs in cooling, power distribution, and structure at the giga scale. Moreover, the session provided the viewers with hands-on ways of aligning innovation, speed, and resiliency in the multi-site rollout of super-large data center projects.

Panel Discussion: Creating Sustainable and Efficient Data Centers: Cost, Conformity, Innovation

Speakers: Nils WETZEL – Head of TMT (Technology Media Telecom), Drees & Sommer, Alfred APSE – Product Manager Energy Solutions, Exide Technologies

The panelists had a fascinating discussion regarding the fine balance between energy efficiency, sustainability, cost control, regulatory compliance, and innovation while designing data centers. They presented opposing viewpoints on the relative weights of such conflicting parameters and outlined strategies to opt for the best outcomes. Moreover, the presenters presented real-world examples from their own experiences, and the attendees received hands-on tips on building green and cost-effective data centers.

Panel Discussion: AI-Driven Cooling: Preparing Data Centers for the Next Generation of High-Density Workloads

Speakers: Jan TYSEBAERT – BAC Global General Manager – Data Center Cooling, Emilio SÁNCHEZ – CAIO, Neurair, Joan VILAR – Director of Datacenter Architecture & Operations, Five Infinitum, Stefano LENA – Cooling Technical Innovation Expert, Schneider Electric

The panelists at the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit explored new cooling technologies for supporting the extreme power densities of AI loads in data centers. They explained how artificial intelligence is transforming the design, operation, and optimization of cooling systems. Furthermore, the speakers addressed various perspectives on liquid cooling technologies, predictive maintenance, dynamic load balancing, and energy recovery systems. Their presentations also provided an overview of how to position cooling infrastructure for the unprecedented loads of future AI computing.

Who Were The Sponsors For The 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit

The summit was greatly supported and partnered with market leaders that leveraged their solutions and expertise for the participants. The sponsors were key in advancing the learning experience through exhibitions, technical presentations, and networking. So, let us take a look at them ahead:

Drees & Sommer – Silver Sponsor

Drees & Sommer is a world-active partner-owned consulting company since 1970. With 6,000 employees across 63 offices worldwide and expertise in over 410 data center projects with a capacity of 3.2+ GW, they added unmatched experience to the 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit. The attendees were treated to their comprehensive analysis of digitization and real estate sustainability, which featured a session on the reuse of existing buildings as data centers. Their presence allowed summit attendees to be able to access industry-leading professionals who could guide how to incorporate sustainable practice into cutting-edge design. Drees & Sommer’s approach to harmonizing tradition and innovation with efficiency and well-being found resonance at the event, providing attendees with realistic means to create sustainable data center infrastructure.

Schneider Electric – Bronze Sponsor

Schneider Electric is a global industrial technology leader in electrification, automation, and digitization. It showcases over 150,000 professionals and one million partners across 100+ countries, providing attendees at the summit with a vast pool of knowledge. The attendees learned valuable things from their exposure to AI-powered IoT solutions that build digital twins, driving customer growth across facility lifecycles. They presented on the transition to liquid cooling and how it impacts the data center design. Attendees especially appreciated Schneider Electric‘s realistic solutions to addressing the underlying shifts of moving from air-cooled to liquid-cooled solutions so that they could prepare for the growing demands of high-density computing without compromising energy efficiency objectives.

Exide Technologies – Bronze Sponsor

With more than 135 years of industry experience, Exide Technologies provides innovation in eco-friendly battery storage products. They have extensive experience with data center batteries and UPS solutions. Their presentation at the summit of the new generation VRLA battery solution included informative insights on upcoming trends and game changers in battery backup and storage technology. The 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit’s participants also valued Exide’s first-hand advice on how to manage new European battery regulations and their impact on data center operations. Their visibility also enabled genuine discussion of constructing resilience and sustainability. This is through customized, containerized storage options developed with renewable power use in mind, with a data center application.

Neurair – Bronze Sponsor

Neurair is a leader when it comes to innovative liquid cooling solutions for future technologies. They are supported by European CE-approved quality and approved by tech goliaths, with resultant services giving incredible savings and lower expenditures. Their solutions are also well aligned with European green initiatives and allow for enhancement in sustainability through the support of grants and funding programs. Summit attendees valued Neurair’s presentation on revolutionizing data centers with liquid cooling. They focused on how to enable AI-driven and high-density computing with it, maximize ROI, and much more. This gave attendees a clear picture of how to build efficiency, sustainability, and profitability with liquid cooling.

DCX – Bronze Sponsor

DCX stands out as a leader in democratizing liquid cooling technology. It also collaborates with existing facilities for seamless upgrades from legacy air cooling to liquid cooling. Their presentation on liquid cooling offered both economic justification and practical advice, much welcomed by summit participants requiring actionable implementation suggestions. DCX’s vision for optimizing infrastructure performance and space efficiency struck a chord with operators looking for long-term operational success and a minimized environmental footprint. Their focus on developing new industry standards by leveraging proprietary sustainable liquid cooling technology gave the audience a taste of what the future of data center infrastructure will look like. The audience loved DCX’s nicely balanced explanation of the technical and cost benefits of embracing liquid cooling technologies the most.

Doxel – Panelist Partner

Doxel, through its computer vision, provides construction sites with transparency solutions. Its automated progress tracking technology gives out unbiased information and removes uncertainty when it comes to project status or decisions. Attendees at the Summit were taught from their perspective in a panel discussion as to how to accelerate the data center delivery/ how these facilities can be built at scale. Attendees appreciated their understanding of how to tackle the common challenge of keeping stakeholders in sync throughout complex data center construction. Doxel‘s presence permitted insightful debates regarding the utilization of state-of-the-art technology to overcome traditional construction management issues in data center facilities.

Teckentrup – Exhibitor Partner

Teckentrup‘s designation showcases over 90 years of German engineering superiority in top-quality steel doors, industrial doors, and garage doors. Summit visitors were well-served by their vast experience in integrated fire protection, making them the perfect go-to for data centers needing greater security. Their stand had solutions from filigree flush doors for office areas to high-security doors with fire, smoke, noise, and intrusion protection. Visitors enjoyed Teckentrup’s holistic approach to security, including their turnkey solutions from development to installation with certified specialist consultants. Their technical maintenance offerings to meet compliance needs were especially useful to data center operators with complex regulatory environments to navigate.

AGR Group – Exhibitor Partner

AGR Group is a specialist in bespoke industrial engineering services for data center development. Their innovative approach includes the use of BIM technology to provide accuracy and efficiency to design and construction activities. It gives complete service from design to construction & maintenance with maximum use of resources and strict industry standards. AGR Group’s reliability and quality were music to the ears of data center developers looking for innovative yet accurate partners for high-end projects at the summit. Their experience in the chemical, pharmaceutical, agri-food, and logistics industries gave attendees at the summit unique cross-industry insights that could be used for data center applications. Their attendance also made for great networking between operators who wanted to see the most stringent industry standards applied in their centers.

PRIMX – Presenting Partner

PRIMX is a leader in engineered concrete solutions, including ultra-low CO₂, zero-joint floors, and high-performance structural systems. Summit participants benefited from their session on carbon-negative concrete technology, learning real-world solutions on sustainable building materials best suited for data centers. Their research-backed strategy on four continents provided representatives with a look into strategic, scalable, and customized solutions supported by in-house R&D, design, and build capabilities. Participants enjoyed PRIMX‘s expertise in accelerating construction timelines, reducing maintenance costs, and future-proofing flexibility for development within facilities. Their on-site management strategy exemplifies consistency, resilience, and responsiveness.

SIEMON – Presenting Partner

SIEMON offers high-performance copper and fiber infrastructure solutions for smart buildings and data centers. They showcase technical and logistics capabilities exceeding 100 nations worldwide, affording a worldwide view regarding infrastructure issues. Its services vary from comprehensive cabling audits with improvement suggestions to floor plans, cabling diagrams, and bills of material. Their presentation, developing AI-ready data centers, contained fascinating knowledge about next-gen networks optimized for AI applications. Attendees to the summit favored SIEMON’s comprehensive portfolio, presenting the data center requirements of the current era with forward-looking adaptability.

To Sum Up

The 2nd Data Centre Design, Engineering & Construction Summit provided outstanding value in the form of cutting-edge knowledge on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Delegates gained practical insights from industry leaders responding to the most pressing dilemmas of the moment, from AI-readiness to environmental regulation. These meetings are priceless to businesses seeking to maintain a competitive advantage in the face of rapidly changing dynamics. So, mark your calendar for future conferences to get ahead of regulatory requirements, technology breakthroughs, and best practices that will reshape your industry!

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