SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
GLOBAL SWITCH
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SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Energy efficiency is at the heart of all Global Switch ’ s data centres . Frankfurt North , which Khan is overseeing , will feature high-efficiency static UPS and an advanced Chiller Assist system that uses both hybrid dry and watercooled chillers , which operate for less than 10 % of the year . The facility will benefit from an independently verified annualised design Power Usage Effectiveness ( PUE ) of less than 1.2 and will be targeting a BREEAM ‘ Very Good ’ certification .
“ Energy costs across the globe have increased dramatically in the last couple of years , and Germany is no exception ,” says Khan . “ There are several kinds of energies which you can use for data centres including grey energy , which is not renewable , mixed energy , which is renewable and green energy , which is completely renewable . At Global Switch Frankfurt , we only use green energy .”
The downside to green energy is cost , due to country taxes and surcharges in Germany . “ Germany produces green energy itself but also buys a lot of green energy from Norway and Finland ,” Khan explains . “ Germany has one of the highest taxes and surcharges on green energy in Europe – however these costs can be offset by Germany ’ s reliable infrastructure and economic stability .
NOVEMBER 2018