Over the last decade, architects, engineers, construction managers and general contractors have witnessed a growing demand for data centers and we expect that demand to remain red hot in upcoming years. A host of technological advancements have also called for a new way of looking at the design and construction of data centers. The data centers of tomorrow must have ample uninterrupted power supply, efficient cooling systems, reliable back-ups and the flexibility for future expansion.

These days, data centers are everywhere and contractors are witnessing a building boom. Why is there so much demand for data centers? Because they have become an integral component in running a successful business – whether you’re a technology firm, an academic institution or financial services firm or a major law firm. Companies must back up their data and have begun to run out of the necessary space to do so.

In addition, given the rapid progression of technology in recent years, many companies face aging data centers that require extensive upgrades or complete replacement altogether. With all that in mind, both architects and general contractors must take these new realities into account before venturing out to design and construct new data centers.

An Evolution

Data centers have evolved incredibly over the past 10 years. Their design standards have changed dramatically. Nowadays, data centers require their own unique standards and stringent classifications that must be met. Each level of sophistication creates greater engineering cost and time, so it is imperative that the general contractor develops a strong relationship with both the owner and engineer early in the design and construction process.

With an extensive data center upgrade, the contractor, engineer and owner must work together in order to establish strict design parameters. The contractor must make sure that important decisions such as what systems will be kept, what will be replaced and what needs to remain running during a phased upgrade, are all addressed ahead of time.

A lot of engineering goes in to determining what needs to get done, all of which shapes pricing options and dictates the orderly shutdown of the original data center. By engaging the engineer and owner early in the process, the contractor ensures that a realistic budget and schedule are established, that client needs are realized, and that the data center will be built to meet current layout, infrastructure, reliability and environmental standards.

Both physical and environmental standards play an incredible role in the construction of data centers. Good installation requires an adequate space, one that makes certain that the power supply in close enough proximity to data center in order to avoid unnecessary expenses. With the growing demand of data centers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sites that are large enough and close enough to power. Power and cooling influence both the physical layout of a data center as well as its environmental requirements immensely.

Contractors and engineers must determine power needs for all current devices and devices that may be used in future, taking in to account both redundancy and growth. With data centers requiring between 20-40 times the amount of power that a regular office building requires, power is of the utmost concern in the design/build process. With dependency on continuous power, it is important to make room for backup power and create an uninterruptible supply.

Making sure that there is enough power in building is of the utmost concern to owners, as it is not uncommon for owners to have to go to utility to bring in additional electrical services as they are beginning to run out of power and need to upsize their infrastructure. Such decisions greatly impact the physical makeup of a new or upgraded data center.

As with power, cooling also plays a significant role in the physical and environmental makeup of a data center, as cooling specifications require engineers and contractors to design and construct an environment that takes in to account airflow and all its variables. Data centers require a temperature ranging from 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit and an average humidity of 40-55 percent. Contractors must take in to account heating and cooling, by implementing raised flooring, perforated tiling and “hot” and “cool” aisles among other important elements of design.

A Greener Way

With regards to power and cooling, contractors should also expect increased demand for green options, as owners are looking to cut costs on energy consumption. Energy usage is one of the greatest concerns for owners, as chillers and the like are becoming increasingly expensive. Dry coolers are one way in which owners, engineers and contractors combat raising energy prices. By taking a “green” approach to data center design through the implementation of dry coolers, owners essentially achieve free cooling during the winter.

Equipment has evolved incredibly, even in the last five-years, as old centers are no longer capable of providing the power and cooling for new, state-of-the-art equipment. Using popular sites as Facebook and Youtube as examples, it is apparent that media and connectivity demands have increased tenfold in recent years, placing incredible stress on aging data centers. Demands for modern equipment in data centers have forced owners to settle for short-term fixtures in order to maximize their infrastructure.

General contractors should be prepared to handle this kind of upgrade work more than anything thing else. Given the exponential increase in technology, and raising material costs, it is hard for owners to invest in the long-term and more often than not owners are reluctant to spend on the long-term until they absolutely have to.