This document provides an introduction to owners, co-location developers, designers, constructors, operators and all those who have an interest in data centre design, operation and space planning. It gives an introduction to many of the concepts that require careful consideration.

This document is not intended to be a design tool, but should be used for guidance only as to the more significant issues that might be considered.

Over recent years data centers have gained greater significance and complexity in the way they are designed and engineered. They are not necessarily a commercial enterprise within themselves but more of a significant and necessary component in the way businesses perform and operate.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 The function of a data centre

3 Site selection and building criteria

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Key considerations

3.3 Building design criteria

3.4 Risk analysis

3.5 Planning risks

4 Planning, site and space

4.1 Site planning

4.2 Space planning

5 Energy and sustainability

5.1 Energy strategy

5.2 Efficiency of IT equipment

5.3 Power usage effectiveness

5.4 Environmental benchmarking

6 Engineering systems design

6.1 Electrical services

6.2 Mechanical services

7 Air management

8 Fire safety

8.1 Fire safety systems

9 Network provision

10 Security

10.1 General security

10.2 Monitoring and control

11 Building construction

11.1 Professional team

11.2 Project procurement

11.3 Construction programme1

11.4 Construction costs and cost plan

Data centres: an introduction to concepts and design

11.5 Mobilisation

11.6 Procurement schedule

11.7 Health and safety plan

11.8 Site facilities and procedures

11.9 Site procedures