Sustainbility - Recycling and sustainable building materials

Recycling and sustainable building materials

The use of sustainable building materials and recycling in the construction of data centers is an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of these highly energy-intensive facilities. There are some important aspects to consider here. The Data Centrer Group is able to implement these aspects as well as sustainable and innovative solutions.

[Translate to English:] Baupläne mit Miniaturhäusern aus Holz darauf, seitlich grüne Blätter

Sustainable building materials

Wood: The use of wood from sustainable forestry for the construction of data centers is an environmentally friendly option. Wood is renewable and has a lower carbon footprint compared to concrete or steel and allows for a shorter construction time as it does not need to dry out, unlike reinforced concrete, and allows for modular construction.

Recycled concrete: Instead of using conventional concrete, recycled concrete made from demolition materials can be a sustainable alternative. The recycled material is crushed and processed into a new form of concrete. This reduces the need for newly mined resources and reduces CO₂ emissions in the production of cement.

Green insulation materials: The use of environmentally friendly insulation materials and renewable raw materials such as hemp, sheep's wool or recycled glass minimises the CO₂ footprint and contributes to the energy efficiency of the building.

Recycling of building materials

A metal tub containing construction waste. A building in the background

When demolishing existing buildings or during construction, building materials should be recycled and reused where possible. This reduces the need for new raw materials.

Facilities for sorting and separating waste materials can help to recover valuable resources.

Building passport for listing the building materials

A man stands in front of a visual building animation and thinks

With the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM), all materials used in construction can be listed in a building passport, simplifying recycling in the event of dismantling.

Energy efficiency

Small stones on which CO2 and symbols can be seen

The choice of sustainable building materials should go hand in hand with an energy-efficient building design. This includes the optimal placement of windows, thermal insulation and the use of renewable energies such as solar energy. By using regional materials, the supply chain can be shortened and energy can be saved by travelling short distances.

Water utilisation and management

The implementation of water-saving measures and efficient water management are also important. Rainwater can be reused for cooling or the irrigation of green spaces.

Certifications and standards

A man in a suit puts a stamp on a sheet of paper

To ensure that sustainable practices are followed in the construction and operation of data centres, certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can be considered.

Life cycle analysis (LCA)

A person is working on a laptop at a desk. There is a plant and a pen. There is also a visualisation that resembles a light bulb

A life cycle analysis (LCA) can help to assess the environmental impact of a data center from planning through construction to operation. This makes it possible to identify areas where sustainability improvements can be made.

The conventional product life cycle begins with the procurement of raw materials, which are then processed and manufactured into the end product. The product is then utilised with the help of the energy required. The end of the cycle is marked by the dismantling of the product. Normally, the product is then recycled in parts and excess material is disposed of.

DC IT Rooms and Micro Data Centres from the Data Center Group can be dismantled and reintegrated into another building infrastructure so that the product life cycle does not end there, but begins anew. By working closely with industrial customers (Industry 5.0), we are able to understand their own IT strategy approach and jointly extend the life cycle of our products, for example by relocating an MDC micro data centre from one industrial site to another.

Responsible waste management

A man holds a visualisation depicting 3 wooden arrows in his hand

The disposal and recycling of electronic waste generated in the data center is also of great importance. Electronics recycling can recover valuable metals and properly dispose of hazardous substances.

The use of sustainable building materials and recycling practices in the construction of data centrers can help minimise the environmental impact of these facilities while improving their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It is important that these principles are incorporated into the planning and design of data centers from the outset.