Alan Abramson, PE; Oliver Varban, PENG; and Wayne Howell, PE

Flexible, Sustainable Data Centers

Sustainable data center design can be a tricky business because of the inherent need for an organized yet flexible approach. However, in recent years, design firms have come up with solutions that provide sustainable and highly flexible designs while also steering clear of confusion related to rapid changes in computer hardware technologies. The key to ensuring flexible yet organized electrical and mechanical systems for sustainable design centers involves preparation, becoming informed, and planning ahead. In order to be fully prepared and achieve maximum success, design firms must balance all of the business needs involved in the project and then develop and implement a sound basis of design (BOD) and project plan.