Data Centre Reference Design

Project Description

The GreenScale EMEA Reference Design was developed to establish a design intended to remain adaptable and cost-efficient over time for data centre deployments across Europe and beyond. This reference design prioritises flexibility to accommodate diverse client requirements, including high-density Artificial Intelligence and Cloud infrastructure, while being prepared for future hybrid liquid cooling integration. GreenScale’s key objectives included aiming at reducing delivery timelines while controlling lifecycle cost and quality, delivering high redundancy, enabling standardised procurement under the OFCI (Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed) model, and integrating modular, prefabricated solutions. Sustainability considerations were incorporated from the outset, targeting both direct and embodied carbon reductions, alongside a safety-first approach for construction and operations.

Ethos Input:
Working closely with GreenScale’s key stakeholders, Ethos produced a RIBA Stage 2 concept design package (LOD 200) intended to serve as the baseline for further development.

The solution emphasised:
Emphasis on modular mechanical and electrical blocks and the aim to a 70–80% prefab- and off-site prefabrication for rapid deployment.

Sustainability considerations such as carbon reduction strategies, LEED preliminary assessment, circular economy measures, and low-energy infrastructure planning.

Concurrent maintainability and high-redundancy configurations (N+1 and 2N) designed to support resilient performance with simplified maintenance.

Adaptable infrastructure designed to support AI workloads, hybrid liquid cooling options, and varying climatic conditions.

Regular coordination sessions across MEP, structural and ICT disciplines to maintain design alignment.

Unique Key Features:
Modularisation at all levels, including mechanical plant rooms, electrical e-pods, CRAH galleries, and packaged skidded systems.

Scalable build designed to allow bottom-up and east-west expansion.

Flexible design tailored to accommodate varying climates and diverse customer requirements.

Provisions for hybrid liquid cooling technologies, supporting readiness for potential future high-density computing needs.

Sustainability considerations such as LEED pre-assessment, LCA and circular-economy measures were embedded throughout, supporting GreenScale’s intended long-term environmental objectives.

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