英文_奥雅纳（Arup）_数据中心的循环思维_27页_11mb

Circular Thinking for Data Centres Summary

Core Content

This document explores how circularity strategies can significantly reduce the whole life carbon emissions of data centres and help future-proof these facilities in the face of environmental and regulatory pressures. It outlines the importance of whole life carbon, which includes both operational and embodied carbon, and highlights the key areas where circular approaches can make a difference.

Main Viewpoints

• Data Centre Growth and Environmental Impact: The data centre industry is expanding rapidly due to AI and cloud computing demands. This growth leads to increased power consumption and environmental costs. Embodied carbon is becoming a dominant factor in the total carbon footprint as electricity grids become cleaner.
• Whole Life Carbon as a Priority: Whole life carbon is a crucial metric that considers the entire lifecycle of a data centre, from construction to operation and decommissioning. It is particularly important for data centres due to their high energy consumption and the significant contribution of MEP systems to carbon emissions.
• Circularity Strategies: Implementing circularity can reduce embodied carbon beyond material decarbonisation, offering additional benefits such as resource efficiency, durability, and adaptability. These strategies include retrofitting existing facilities, designing for long-term use, building efficiently, and using low-carbon materials.

Key Information

Global Landscape

• Data centre power demand is expected to double by 2026.
• Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe dominate the market.
• Data centre construction market value is predicted to grow by more than 10% annually until 2029.
• Data centres are increasingly built with high density and large-scale designs to meet rising data transfer and storage needs.

Industry Challenges

• Regulatory and Reporting Requirements: Stricter regulations and reporting standards are increasing pressure on data centres to reduce emissions.
• Site and Power Constraints: Suitable sites and reliable power supply are major challenges due to infrastructure limitations and global power shortages.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: These have led to increased construction costs and project delays, prompting some businesses to consider stockpiling materials.

Whole Life Carbon

• Whole life carbon considers both operational and embodied emissions.
• Embodied carbon, particularly from MEP systems, is becoming more significant as grids decarbonise.
• Embodied carbon hotspots include MEP systems and CSA elements, with MEP contributing up to 70% of upfront embodied carbon and 88% of whole life embodied carbon.

Embodied Carbon Hotspots

• MEP Systems: Dominant in both upfront and whole life carbon, due to frequent replacements and high material intensity.
• Server Racks: Contribute significantly to whole life carbon due to their high precious metal content and frequent replacement.
• Cooling Systems and Refrigerants: High global warming potential refrigerants and frequent replacements increase carbon footprint, making them a key target for reduction.

Circularity Strategies

1. Build Nothing:

   • Retrofitting existing facilities can be an effective strategy for small data centres or specific upgrades.
   • Opportunities for retrofitting include improving MEP systems and reusing existing infrastructure.

2. Build for Long-Term Use:

   • Leasing models for components like cooling systems and electrical equipment can help prolong asset life.
   • Standardisation and take-back programs are encouraged to support reuse and adaptability.

3. Build Efficiently:

   • Optimising structural column grids and using prefabrication can reduce material waste and carbon.
   • Dematerialisation of pipework and duct banks, such as using thinner pipes or flowable fill, can cut embodied carbon.

4. Build with the Right Resources:

   • Using low-carbon alternatives and biobased materials can influence supply chains.
   • Collaborating with vendors to source and use low-carbon concrete and metals is essential for decarbonising the industry.

Case Studies and Examples

• EMC²'s Ireland Centre of Excellence: A full retrofit using free cooling technology reduced annual carbon emissions by 7,000 tonnes.
• Kaer Leasing Model: Offers cooling as a service, reducing waste and enabling circular practices through efficient operation and maintenance.
• Meta's Low-Carbon Concrete: Collaborating with suppliers to develop and use low-carbon concrete mixes.

Conclusion

Circularity strategies are vital for reducing whole life carbon emissions in data centres and ensuring their sustainability. By focusing on efficient design, material selection, and long-term asset management, the industry can future-proof its facilities and meet growing environmental and regulatory demands.