Data Centres in 2030: Comparative Case Studies that Illustrate the Potential of the Design for the Circular Economy as an Enabler of Sustainability.

Conference paper

Andrews, D and Whitehead, B (2019). Data Centres in 2030: Comparative Case Studies that Illustrate the Potential of the Design for the Circular Economy as an Enabler of Sustainability. Sustainable Innovation 2019: 22nd International Conference Road to 2030: Sustainability, Business Models, Innovation and Design. Epsom, Surrey 04 - 05 Mar 2019
AuthorsAndrews, D and Whitehead, B
TypeConference paper
Abstract

Data centres are facilities that house digital data processing (IT) equipment that enables networked communication activity. Since the launch of the world wide web in 1989 the number of DCs around the world
has grown to 8.6 million; they cover 180m m2 floor space, 6% (10m m2) of which is located in Europe and 70% being concentrated in the NW Europe. European and global economies are dependent on data
processing and storage and consequently the DC industry’s priority is 100% uninterrupted operation.
Reliance on and demand for data centres will increase significantly as more smart products and services are connected via the Internet of Things (IoT) and in NWE capacity will increase 15%+ per year (300%) by 2025 while a global increase of 500% is predicted by 2030.
At present the largest environmental impact from DCs derives from operational energy; this is being addressed by improved operational efficiency and use of renewable electricity generation technologies.
However, in view of the above growth the embodied impact of DCs must be not ignored. During DC life (60 years) 15% of embodied environmental impact derives from the building and facilities while 85% derives from
IT equipment. Impact is high because equipment is typically refreshed every 1–5 years, and although accurate data has not been published DCI is a significant contributor to the global total of 11.8 Mt/year of
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE). WEE is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the EU; it contains CRM that are of high economic importance and vulnerable to supply disruption. In addition to this, manufacture is energy intensive and therefore contributes to the environmental impact of the sector.
Both the speed and volume of growth of waste associated to digital technologies is unprecedented but this has not been matched by the development of supporting recycling infrastructure and reuse, recycling and materials rates are low. At present WEEE recycling in NWE is limited to 32% and much of the rest is exported and reprocessed overseas and/or sent to landfill and consequently, millions of tonnes of valuable
resources are wasted and/or made inaccessible by export every year from this sector. While some ‘waste’ materials are hazardous and have detrimental environmental and social impacts, many others are regarded as Critical Raw Materials because reliable and unhindered access to them is threatened and substitution with other materials is currently unfeasible.
This paper considers and compares two future case studies for what has become essential industry in 2030 and beyond: the first is based on current practice while the second includes a sector‐specific circular
economy. Both scenarios are feasible and while the first explores the wide‐ranging economic, social and environmental impacts that will derive from restricted growth in DC capability, the second explores the
immediate and long‐term positive impacts associated with the development of a circular economy for the sector. It also discusses the various design, manufacturing and behavioural challenges to CE development. The case studies also illustrate the potential of CE as an enabler of sustainability

Year2019
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Publication dates
Print04 Mar 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited02 Feb 2019
Accepted21 Jan 2019
Permalink -

https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/8675q

Download files

Accepted author manuscript
Andrews_SI 2019 paper.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Open

  • 1257
    total views
  • 686
    total downloads
  • 44
    views this month
  • 12
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Sustainable Development Goals, Circularity and the Data Centre Industry: a Review of Real-world Challenges in a Rapidly Expanding Sector
Ptach, D., Andrews, D. and Philbin, S. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals, Circularity and the Data Centre Industry: a Review of Real-world Challenges in a Rapidly Expanding Sector. in: Ghosh, S.K. and Edujlee, G. (ed.) The Circular Economy: Meeting Sustainable Development Goals Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Chapter 5: The Role of Design in Conserving Product Value in the Circular Economy
Andrews, D. and Whitehead, B. (2023). Chapter 5: The Role of Design in Conserving Product Value in the Circular Economy. in: Ghosh, S.K and Eduljee (ed.) The Circular Economy: Meeting Sustainable Development Goals Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). pp. 110-140
Assessing the performance gap of two dynamic thermal modelling software tools when comparing with real-time data in relation to thermal loss
Salehi, B., Andrews, D., Chaer, I., Gillich, A. and Newton, E. (2023). Assessing the performance gap of two dynamic thermal modelling software tools when comparing with real-time data in relation to thermal loss. Building Services Engineering Research and Technology. pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/01436244231153839
Design and Engineering Pedagogies as Agents for Disruption, Innovation and Transformation and the Transfer and Application of Reverse Psychology Across the Disciplines
Andrews, D., Newton, E. and Lishman, B. (2022). Design and Engineering Pedagogies as Agents for Disruption, Innovation and Transformation and the Transfer and Application of Reverse Psychology Across the Disciplines. Bohemia, E, Buck, L and Grierson, H (ed.) 24th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2022). London 08 - 09 Sep 2022 The Design Society. https://doi.org/10.35199/EPDE.2022.121
Developing a Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry – how the CEDaCI project contributes to sustainable decision making
Kerwin, K., Andrews, D., Adibi, N., Whitehead, B., Szablewski, C. and Chenadec, J. (2022). Developing a Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry – how the CEDaCI project contributes to sustainable decision making. E3S Web of Conferences. 349, 2022 (06007). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202234906007
The significance of product design in the circular economy: A sustainable approach to the design of data centre equipment as demonstrated via the CEDaCI design case study
Kerwin, K., Andrews, D., Whitehead, B., Adibi, N. and Lavandeira, S. (2022). The significance of product design in the circular economy: A sustainable approach to the design of data centre equipment as demonstrated via the CEDaCI design case study. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.04.105
Comparison of Real-world Data with Simulated Results to Enhance Building Thermal Retention when using Shading Devices
Salehi, B., Andrews, D., Chaer, I., Newton, E. and Gillich, A. (2022). Comparison of Real-world Data with Simulated Results to Enhance Building Thermal Retention when using Shading Devices . CIBSE Technical Symposium 2022. London South Bank University 21 - 22 Apr 2022
Surprising results from a Post Occupancy Evaluation of the way internal roller blinds impact perceptions of visual discomfort
De Grussa, Z., Andrews, D. and Newton, E. (2022). Surprising results from a Post Occupancy Evaluation of the way internal roller blinds impact perceptions of visual discomfort. CIBSE Technical Symposium 2022.
A Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry: Using Design Methods to Address the Challenge of Whole System Sustainability in a Unique Industrial Sector
Andrews, D., Newton, E., Adibi, N., Chenadec, Julie and Bienge, K. (2021). A Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry: Using Design Methods to Address the Challenge of Whole System Sustainability in a Unique Industrial Sector. Sustainability. 13 (11), p. e6319. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116319
Improving Thermal Energy Performance of UK Built Environment through the Use of Shading Devices
Salehi, B., Andrews, D., Chaer, I., Newton, E. and Gillich, A. (2021). Improving Thermal Energy Performance of UK Built Environment through the Use of Shading Devices. London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2021. London South Bank University 05 - 08 Jul 2021 London South Bank University.
Rethinking and Adapting Approaches to Education for Sustainability to Address Cultural and Behavioural Change and Challenges
Andrews, D, Newton, E. and Lishman, B. (2021). Rethinking and Adapting Approaches to Education for Sustainability to Address Cultural and Behavioural Change and Challenges. 23rd International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education. on line / Herning Denmark 09 - 10 Sep 2021
Life Cycle Assessment Approach to Address up and Coming Sustainability Challenges in the Design of Data Centre Equipment
Kerwin, K., Andrews, D., Ponugubati, M., Whitehead, B and Adibi, N. (2020). Life Cycle Assessment Approach to Address up and Coming Sustainability Challenges in the Design of Data Centre Equipment. 2nd International Conference on Life Cycle innovation (LCIC 2020). Online 26 - 28 Aug 2020
Being bad to do good: using reverse psychology to embed Life Cycle Thinking and knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals in design and engineering curricula
Andrews, D., Lishman, B. and Newton, E. (2020). Being bad to do good: using reverse psychology to embed Life Cycle Thinking and knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals in design and engineering curricula . 2nd International Conference on Life Cycle innovation (LCIC 2020). Online 26 - 28 Aug 2020
Design Thinking for Sustainability and the significance of Stakeholder Engagement in the development of the Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry
Andrews, D., Bienge, K., Whitehead, B., Chenadec, J., Adibi, N. and Kerwin, K. (2020). Design Thinking for Sustainability and the significance of Stakeholder Engagement in the development of the Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry. 2nd International Conference on Life Cycle innovation (LCIC 2020). Online 26 - 28 Aug 2020
Up and Coming Sustainability Challenges in the Design of Data Centre Equipment
Kerwin, K, Andrews, D, Ponugubati, M, Whitehead, B and Adibi, N (2020). Up and Coming Sustainability Challenges in the Design of Data Centre Equipment. 2nd International Conference on Life Cycle innovation (LCIC 2020). Online 26 - 28 Aug 2020
The role of Design as a barrier to and enabler of the Circular Economy
Andrews, D. (2020). The role of Design as a barrier to and enabler of the Circular Economy. in: Brandão, M., Lazarevic, D. and Finnveden, G. (ed.) Handbook of the Circular Economy Edward Elgar.
Integrating Life Cycle Management for a more Circular Data Centre Industry
Adibi, N., Andrews, D., Glachant, M., Samulewic, M., Traisnel, C., Thomas, C., Whitehead, B. and Bienge, K. (2019). Integrating Life Cycle Management for a more Circular Data Centre Industry. LCM 2019 - Life Cycle Management Conference. Poznan 01 - 04 Sep 2019
Encouraging remanufacturing in the retail refrigeration industry
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Newton, EJ and Proudman, P (2019). Encouraging remanufacturing in the retail refrigeration industry. Energy Procedia. 161, pp. 283-291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2019.02.093
The Impact of Policy Changes: The Opportunities of Community Renewable Energy Projects in the UK and the Barriers they Face
Mirzania, P, Andrews, D, Ford, A and Maidment, G (2019). The Impact of Policy Changes: The Opportunities of Community Renewable Energy Projects in the UK and the Barriers they Face. Energy Policy. 129, pp. 1282-1296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.02.066
A London Residential Retrofit Case Study: Evaluating passive mitigation methods of reducing risk to overheating through the use of solar shading combined with night-time ventilation.
De Grussa, Z, Andrews, D, Lowry, G, Newton, EJ, Yiakoumeti, k, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2019). A London Residential Retrofit Case Study: Evaluating passive mitigation methods of reducing risk to overheating through the use of solar shading combined with night-time ventilation. Building Services Engineering Research and Technology. 40 (4), pp. 389-408. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143624419840768
Circular economy and behaviour change: Using persuasive communication to encourage pro-circular behaviours towards the purchase of remanufactured refrigeration equipment
Muranko, Z., Andrews, D, Chaer, I and Newton, EJ (2019). Circular economy and behaviour change: Using persuasive communication to encourage pro-circular behaviours towards the purchase of remanufactured refrigeration equipment. Journal of Cleaner Production. 222, pp. 499-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.219
Design and the Circular Economy in the UK Blinds and Shutter Industry
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2018). Design and the Circular Economy in the UK Blinds and Shutter Industry. in: Charter, M (ed.) Designing for the Circular Economy Oxford Routledge. pp. 360-368
Data Center Sustainability Indices
Tozer, R, Flucker, S, Whitehead, B and Andrews, D (2018). Data Center Sustainability Indices. 2018 ASHRAE Winter Conference & AHR Expo. Chicago, USA 20 - 24 Jan 2018
The Challenge of Modelling Solar Shading Products and their Impact on the Built Environment
Venturi, L, Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z and Chaer, I (2018). The Challenge of Modelling Solar Shading Products and their Impact on the Built Environment. CIBSE Technical Symposium. London South Bank University, London 12 - 13 Apr 2018 CIBSE.
The Challenge of Modelling Solar Shading Products and Their Impact on the Built Environment.
Venturi, L, Andrews, D and De Grussa, Z (2018). The Challenge of Modelling Solar Shading Products and Their Impact on the Built Environment. CIBSE Technical Symposium. London 12 - 13 Apr 2018 CIBSE.
A Real-world Study of the Relationship between Subjective Assessment of Productivity, Subjective Perception of Environmental Conditions and Objective Productivity Measures
De Grussa, Z, Andrews, D, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2018). A Real-world Study of the Relationship between Subjective Assessment of Productivity, Subjective Perception of Environmental Conditions and Objective Productivity Measures. CIBSE Technical Symposium. London 12 - 13 Apr 2018 CIBSE.
The Pro-Circular Change Model (P-CCM)– Proposing A Framework Facilitating Behavioural Change Towards a Circular Economy
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Newton, EJ, Chaer, I and Proudman, P (2018). The Pro-Circular Change Model (P-CCM)– Proposing A Framework Facilitating Behavioural Change Towards a Circular Economy. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 135, pp. 132-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.12.017
Developing a Sustainable and Circular Business Model for the Blinds and Shutter Industry in the UK
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2018). Developing a Sustainable and Circular Business Model for the Blinds and Shutter Industry in the UK. in: Charter, M (ed.) Designing for the Circular Economy London Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group).
Developing a Circular Economy in the Retail Refrigeration Industry: The Influence of Financial Incentives, Quality Standards and Process Supporting Tools on the Behavioural Intentions to Purchase and Produce Remanufactured Refrigeration Equipment
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Newton, EJ and Proudman, P (2018). Developing a Circular Economy in the Retail Refrigeration Industry: The Influence of Financial Incentives, Quality Standards and Process Supporting Tools on the Behavioural Intentions to Purchase and Produce Remanufactured Refrigeration Equipment. 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Resource Use in Food Chains (ICSEF 2018). Paphos, Cyprus 17 - 19 Oct 2018
Using Life Cycle Assessment to Illustrate the Benefits of Blinds as Passive and Sustainable Energy Saving Products in the Domestic Environment in the UK
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z and Chaer, I (2015). Using Life Cycle Assessment to Illustrate the Benefits of Blinds as Passive and Sustainable Energy Saving Products in the Domestic Environment in the UK. Going north for sustainability. London South Bank University 25 Nov 2015 London South Bank University.
An Assessment of Differing Environmental and Economic Factors and their Impact on the Development of a Circular Economy for Refrigerated Display Cabinets in the UK
Andrews, D, Muranko, Z and Chaer, I (2015). An Assessment of Differing Environmental and Economic Factors and their Impact on the Development of a Circular Economy for Refrigerated Display Cabinets in the UK. Sustainable Innovation 2015. University for the Creative Arts Epsom, Surrey, UK 09 - 10 Nov 2015 London South Bank University.
Energy and Water Environmental Trade-Offs of Data Center Cooling Technologies
Andrews, D, Flucker, S, Whitehead, B and Tozer, R (2017). Energy and Water Environmental Trade-Offs of Data Center Cooling Technologies. ASHRAE winter conference. Las Vegas, USA 28 Jan - 01 Feb 2017
The use and impact of manual and motorised blinds as aids to thermal and visual comfort in domestic buildings in the UK
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2017). The use and impact of manual and motorised blinds as aids to thermal and visual comfort in domestic buildings in the UK. Living and Sustainability: An Environmental Critique of Design and Building Practices, Locally and Globally. London South Bank University, London
Community Energy in the UK: The End or the Beginning of a Brighter Future?
Mirzania, P, Andrews, D, Ford, A and Maidment, GG (2017). Community Energy in the UK: The End or the Beginning of a Brighter Future? Energy for Society: 1st international conference on Energy Research & Social Science. Sitges, Spain 05 - 07 Apr 2017
A tale from the tropics: Education for sustainability and the value of project based learning
Andrews, D and Townsend, B (2017). A tale from the tropics: Education for sustainability and the value of project based learning. Building Community: Design Education for a Sustainable Future: 19th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENGINEERING AND PRODUCT DESIGN EDUCATION. Oslo, Norway 07 - 08 Sep 2017
Growing Spaces: developing a sustainability literate graduate.
Andrews, D and Soares, S (2017). Growing Spaces: developing a sustainability literate graduate. Building Community: Design Education for a Sustainable Future: 19th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education. Oslo, Norway 07 - 08 Sep 2017
A Case Study assessing the impact of Shading Systems combined with Night-Time Ventilation strategies on Overheating within a Residential Property
De Grussa, A, Andrews, D, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2017). A Case Study assessing the impact of Shading Systems combined with Night-Time Ventilation strategies on Overheating within a Residential Property. 38th AIVC - 6th TightVent & 4th venticool Conference, 2017 Ventilating healthy low-energy buildings,. Nottingham, UK 13 - 14 Sep 2017
Incentivising pro-circular behaviours: proposing a new enhanced capital allowance scheme for remanufactured products - the case of refrigerated display cabinets in the United Kingdom
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Newton, EJ, Proudman, P and Longhurst, M (2017). Incentivising pro-circular behaviours: proposing a new enhanced capital allowance scheme for remanufactured products - the case of refrigerated display cabinets in the United Kingdom. Energy Procedia. 123, pp. 369-374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.271
Pro-circular behaviours and refrigerated display cabinets: supporting resource efficiency in the retail refrigeration sector
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Newton, EJ, Proudman, P and Longhurst, M (2017). Pro-circular behaviours and refrigerated display cabinets: supporting resource efficiency in the retail refrigeration sector. Energy Procedia. 123, pp. 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.235
A Literature Review Outlining the Importance of Blinds and Shutters as a Sustainable Asset that has the Potential to enhance the Productivity of Occupants in the UK
De Grussa, Z, Andrews, D, Newton, EJ, Lowry, GD, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2016). A Literature Review Outlining the Importance of Blinds and Shutters as a Sustainable Asset that has the Potential to enhance the Productivity of Occupants in the UK. Going North for Sustainability Doctoral Workshop ARCOM / CHOBE. London South Bank University, London 30 Jun 2016 London South Bank University.
Talking with experts - from research to objects: using academic research as the basis of collaborative and cross disciplinary projects for design students
Soares, S and Andrews, D (2016). Talking with experts - from research to objects: using academic research as the basis of collaborative and cross disciplinary projects for design students. 18th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education. Aalborg, Denmark 08 - 09 Sep 2016
DEVELOPING CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR THE RETAIL REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY: HOW FINANCIAL INCENTIVES COULD INFLUENCE REMANUFACTURiNG OF REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CABINETS IN THE UK
Muranko, Z, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Newton, EJ, Proudman, P and Longhurst, M (2016). DEVELOPING CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR THE RETAIL REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY: HOW FINANCIAL INCENTIVES COULD INFLUENCE REMANUFACTURiNG OF REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CABINETS IN THE UK. Sustainable Innovation 2016 21st International Conference ‘Circular Economy’ Innovation & Design. University for the Creative Arts Epsom, Surrey, UK 07 - 08 Nov 2016
The Challenges and Benefits of Developing a Sustainable and Circular Business Model for the Blinds and Shutter Industry in the UK
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2016). The Challenges and Benefits of Developing a Sustainable and Circular Business Model for the Blinds and Shutter Industry in the UK. Sustainable Innovation 2016, 21st International Conference - ‘Circular Economy’ Innovation & Design'. University for the Creative Arts, Epsom, Surrey, UK 07 - 08 Nov 2016
THE BARRIERS TO AND DRIVERS OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR THE BLINDS AND SHUTTERS INDUSTRY IN THE UK
Andrews, D, De Grussa, Z, Chalk, A and Bush, D (2016). THE BARRIERS TO AND DRIVERS OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR THE BLINDS AND SHUTTERS INDUSTRY IN THE UK. 5th International conference on Life Cycle Assessment: Life Cycle Thinking for leading managers. Lille, France 08 - 09 Nov 2016
A Carbon Footprint Study and a Life Cycle Assessment of an identical Refrigerated Display Cabinet: comparative analysis of the respective ratios of embodied and operational impacts
Bibalou, D, Andrews, D, Chaer, I, Maidment, GG and Longhurst, M (2014). A Carbon Footprint Study and a Life Cycle Assessment of an identical Refrigerated Display Cabinet: comparative analysis of the respective ratios of embodied and operational impacts. 4th International Conference on Life Cycle Approaches. Lille, France 05 - 06 Nov 2014 Forum for Sustainability Through Life Cycle Innovation.
Potential life cycle carbon savings with low emissivity packaging for refrigerated food on display
Davies, G., Man, CMD, Andrews, D, Paurine, A, Hutchins, MG and Maidment, GG (2012). Potential life cycle carbon savings with low emissivity packaging for refrigerated food on display. Journal of Food Engineering. 109 (2), pp. 202-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2011.10.018