20 March 2025: Now is an unparalleled opportunity to design and build data centers that can respond to sustainability considerations and withstand external security threats and climate risks, while also being mindful of demand created by the AI boom. In an effort to move quickly in response to AI trends, data center developers run the risk of making short-term choices that could harm operational integrity, compromise quality and ultimately fail in the face of environmental change, according to a new paper by business standards and improvement company BSI, and CBRE.
Data centers store and process the data we generate. They are designated Critical National Infrastructure in the UK and seen as equally critical around the globe, given the potentially significant effects of outages on daily life. Given the importance of these facilities, the paper advises that long-term thinking that accounts for a broad array of considerations is vital and that the industry should collaborate now to build sustainable data centers from the outset.
With generative AI set to become a $1.3 trillion market by 2032, data center demand is growing at a rapid pace. As more data centers are built, they will generate more heat and emissions and require more water for cooling hardware. In the face of extended heatwaves in some regions, existing centers are already facing the limits of traditional cooling systems. Tomorrow’s data centers should be designed for resilience in the face of extreme weather and rising temperatures, which could significantly affect operations. The paper outlines key factors for developers and the overall industry to consider to help mitigate climate and sustainability, safety and scalability impacts.
David Mudd, Global Head Digital Trust, BSI, said: "AI innovation is set to transform our society and has the potential to be an enormous force for good. Sitting behind it will be the buildings that store and process the data we generate, which are increasingly and rightly recognized as critical infrastructure. In the rush to meet demand, we must avoid shortcuts and instead collaborate to embed the fundamentals of sustainability, reliability and safety. This is our chance to get it right."
Now is an unappalled moment to design data centers to support tomorrow’s technology and serve society. There is a need for dialogue across the industry over how we can respond to sustainability considerations and continued environmental challenges and build to withstand external security threats and climate risks. Clear standards and guidelines that underpin best practice have a vital role to play in driving innovation in design and support the growth of the industry.”
Christopher Dark, Global QHSE Director, CBRE Data Center Solutions, said: "As we navigate the rapid growth of AI and the associated demand for data storage and processing, it's essential that we prioritize long-term thinking and collaboration to ensure that our data centers are not only sustainable but also resilient and safe. By working together and embracing globally recognized design standards, we can build data centers that support the needs of tomorrow's technology, while minimizing their impact on the environment."
You can download the white paper here
About BSI
BSI is a business improvement and standards company that partners with more than 77,500 clients globally across multiple industry sectors. BSI provides organizations with the confidence to grow by working with them to tackle society’s critical issues – from climate change to building trust in AI and everything in between - to accelerate progress towards a fair society and a sustainable world.
For over a century BSI has been recognized for having a positive impact on organizations and society, building trust and enhancing lives. Today BSI engages with a 15,000 strong global community of experts, industry and consumer groups, organizations and governments to deliver on its purpose by helping its clients fulfil theirs.
To learn more, please visit www.bsigroup.com
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
