Decoding data centre LEED certification

In today's digital landscape, data centres are pivotal to the infrastructure that powers our online world, from cloud computing to global communications.

Yet, as data centres become more vital to our everyday lives, their environmental footprint has become a major focus within the industry. Data centre operation is energy-intensive and involves substantial consumption of other critical resources, such as water for cooling systems, rare earth minerals for manufacturing hardware, and land for housing extensive facilities.

This broad spectrum of resource usage has heightened concerns about their sustainability and the wider environmental consequences.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification addresses these challenges. It offers a structured pathway towards sustainability, providing a framework for data centres to reduce their ecological footprint while enhancing operational efficiency. This blog explores LEED certification for data centres, highlighting its importance and benefits.

Understanding LEED certification

LEED certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the preeminent framework for achieving sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. It stands for a facility's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. For data centres, obtaining LEED certification is not merely about adhering to regulatory requirements; it's a strategic investment in the future.

The certification process evaluates a broad spectrum of sustainability criteria, including energy and water efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. By aligning with LEED standards, data centres can not only mitigate their environmental impact but also realise significant operational savings through reduced energy and water consumption. This dual benefit enhances the facility's competitiveness in an increasingly eco-conscious market, where clients and investors prioritise sustainability.

Tailored paths for data centres

Due to their continuous operation and high energy demand, data centres present unique challenges in sustainable building practices. Recognising this, LEED offers specialised certification pathways: LEED for Building Design + Construction (BD+C) for Data Centres and LEED Core & Shell (CS). Each path is designed to address the distinct needs of data centres, from new constructions to those operating within shared facilities.

• LEED BD+C for Data Centres is suited for new or significantly renovated data centres. This pathway focuses on holistic building performance, encouraging strategies that encompass sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection, and indoor environmental quality. It prompts operators to consider the entire lifecycle of the data centre, from design and construction to operation, fostering a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

• LEED Core & Shell caters to data centres operating as part of a colocation facility. This certification emphasises the design and construction of the building's core and shell, such as its structure, envelope, and HVAC systems. It's particularly relevant for operators who have limited control over the IT infrastructure that houses their data centres but are committed to the building's overall design and systems.

Incorporating LEED scorecard insights

The LEED scorecard breaks down the certification criteria, providing clear guidance on how data centres can achieve sustainability milestones. The scorecard covers a wide range of topics, including energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Each category comprises specific credits that data centres can pursue to earn points towards certification.

For instance, in the energy and atmosphere category, credits such as enhanced commissioning and optimised energy performance encourage the implementation of systems and designs that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. Similarly, the water efficiency category pushes for strategies that decrease water use, which is important in regions facing water scarcity. The materials and resources category encourages using sustainable building materials and waste reduction practices, contributing to the circular economy. Meanwhile, indoor environmental quality credits focus on creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for occupants, enhancing their well-being and productivity.

The strategic advantage of LEED certification

Pursuing LEED certification is a strategic move for data centres, positioning them as leaders in sustainability and innovation. Beyond the environmental benefits, LEED-certified facilities often experience reduced operating costs, enhanced marketability, and improved occupant satisfaction.

Furthermore, certification aligns data centres with global sustainability trends, preparing them to meet the increasing demands of regulations and eco-conscious customers. As the digital economy grows, the role of data centres in achieving broader environmental goals becomes ever more critical. LEED certification showcases a data centre's commitment to sustainable practices and serves as a benchmark for the industry, inspiring others to follow suit.

Guiding your LEED certification journey

We understand the complexities of achieving LEED certification for data centres. Our team of experts specialises in sustainable building practices, offering end-to-end guidance throughout the certification process. From initial assessment and strategy development to implementation and documentation, we ensure your data centre meets and exceeds LEED standards. Our holistic approach encompasses energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable design, ensuring that your facility achieves certification and sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry.

Embrace the future of data centre sustainability

The journey towards sustainability is both a challenge and an opportunity for data centres. LEED certification offers a clear path to achieving environmental and operational excellence. By embracing LEED principles, data centres can not only reduce their impact on the planet but also enhance their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ready to get your data centre LEED certified? Contact us today to see how we can support your sustainability goals.

BREEAM for data centres

This blog highlights the advantages of obtaining LEED certification for data centres. It's important to remember that BREEAM certification shares many of these principles and benefits. Just like LEED, BREEAM is at the forefront of global sustainability efforts, providing a comprehensive assessment method for projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It places a high value on performance across the entire lifecycle of the built environment, from the drawing board of new constructions to the ongoing use and eventual refurbishment of existing structures.

Our expertise doesn't stop at LEED; we also offer detailed guidance on achieving BREEAM certification, which ensures that your data centre meets sustainability standards. Whether your interest lies solely in LEED, solely in BREEAM, or in both certifications, we're here to assist you.