Data center energy efficiency is often assessed using Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). The figure shows how much energy the entire facility consumes in relation to the energy used by its IT equipment.
Data center energy consumption is a key part of its environmental impact, but it does not describe the entire lifecycle. Impacts also arise from construction, material production and site operations. For sustainable data centers, it is also essential to consider whether the heat generated during operation can be recovered and whether the building can adapt to future needs.
“PUE is a key measure of operational data center energy efficiency. The most important decisions are made when selecting the location and designing the facility”, says Jarkko Salmenoja, Senior Vice President, Data Centers business area at SRV.
Location determines the potential for waste heat recovery
The location of a data center is not determined by power availability alone. From an environmental perspective, it is also important to consider how the heat generated during operation can be used.
Waste heat recovery requires a suitable location and existing infrastructure, such as a nearby district heating network.
“Location is the single most important choice. At its best, the heat generated by a data center can be recovered and used as part of the local energy system”, Salmenoja says.
Project sizing also matters. Future capacity does not need to be built all at once if the campus can be expanded in phases as demand grows. Reusing existing buildings and structures can also reduce the need for new construction.
MEP engineering determines data center energy efficiency
In addition to computing, a data center uses energy for cooling, power distribution and other technical systems. Their design has a direct impact on the data center PUE and on data center power consumption over decades of operation.
Data center cooling benefits from Finland’s cool climate. Low outdoor temperatures can be used for free cooling during much of the year, improving energy efficiency and supporting a low PUE.
The design of the building services engineering systems is critical, and the systems must continue to operate efficiently as conditions and capacity requirements change. SRV’s in-house MEP engineering specialists contribute to the design of these solutions from an early stage.
“This allows cooling, power distribution, automation and waste heat recovery to be considered as one integrated system”, Salmenoja explains.
Materials and site practices reduce the carbon footprint of construction
A low-carbon data center also requires emissions from construction to be considered. Material choices do not determine operational energy consumption, but they can reduce the carbon footprint of construction.
Energy use on site, transport, material waste and construction waste all contribute to the environmental impact of a data center. These impacts can be reduced through careful planning, efficient logistics and a high degree of prefabrication.
In SRV’s wood-based data center concept, the wooden frame and the routes for technical systems are designed as one integrated solution. A high degree of prefabrication shortens the on-site construction phase, improves quality and reduces the need for changes on site.
Wood structures are being used in the LUMI AI Factory data center in Kajaani, where CLT solid wood is used in the shell structures of the data hall. The data center is being built inside a former paper mill hall, combining wood construction with the reuse of an existing building.
Wooden structures store carbon, and components designed for dismantling can later be reused. Wood therefore also supports adaptability and the circular use of materials.
“Material choices do not replace energy-efficient technical solutions, but they complement the overall approach. The carbon footprint of construction should be reduced whenever this can be achieved without compromising functionality, quality or the schedule,” Salmenoja says.
SRV is Finland’s largest business premises construction company and one of the country’s leading data center contractors. SRV is currently constructing the LUMI AI Factory data center in Kajaani and the DayOne data center in Lahti. Both are scheduled to become operational in 2027.
Build your data center in Finland with SRV
SRV specializes in mission-critical data centers that combine cutting-edge technology, security, and responsibility. From concept to commissioning, we provide end-to-end delivery as a single trusted partner.