DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT


they are not properly managed. Higher operating temperatures


can reduce energy use but leave less room for error in humidity control. Free cooling increases exposure to outside conditions. Liquid cooling introduces more water into the environment. Heat recovery adds complexity to the system. These approaches are important,


but they need to be supported by good monitoring and control. Resilience sets the limits within which efficiency can safely be achieved. Monitoring is often seen as a way


to provide visibility. In reality, it is more valuable as a tool for control. A well designed system brings


together environmental sensing, water detection, power monitoring and airflow measurement within a building management or SCADA system. The aim is to identify small changes before they become serious problems. This allows operators to move


Resilience and reliability are the foundation for sustainability


As data centres face increasing pressure to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, the industry is placing greater emphasis on efficiency. However, sustainability cannot be achieved without first addressing resilience, as Stacey Lucas explains.


Stacey Lucas


Commercial and marketing director Sontay


www.sontay.com T


A changing landscape Environmental conditions are becoming less predictable, and this is affecting how plant performs over time.


he data centre sector is facing two pressures at once. Demand for digital services continues to grow,


driven by artificial intelligence, cloud expansion and electrification. At the same time, operators are under increasing pressure to reduce energy use, carbon emissions and resource consumption. What used to be a balance between efficiency and reliability has now changed. The two are closely linked. It is no longer possible to focus on one without affecting the other. A plant failure is not just an


operational problem. It also has an environmental impact. Emergency cooling, extended generator use, equipment replacement and reactive maintenance all increase carbon output. Protecting plant is therefore not only about reducing risk. It is an important part of delivering genuine sustainability.


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Humidity control is a good example. It is no longer just about comfort. Low humidity increases the risk of electrostatic discharge, while high humidity can lead to corrosion and condensation. Relative humidity on its own is not enough. Dew point, and how close conditions are to condensation, needs to be monitored, especially as higher operating temperatures are introduced to improve efficiency. Water is another major concern.


Leaks within cooling systems or flooding from heavy rainfall can cause serious damage. In the UK, this is becoming more common and needs to be planned for. At the same time, higher ambient temperatures reduce cooling efficiency, while artificial intelligence driven workloads create sudden changes in power demand. These factors combine to place greater strain on both mechanical and electrical systems.


Regulation and accountability Regulation is also driving change. The recast EU Energy Efficiency Directive places greater emphasis on


monitoring and reporting. Data centres are expected to provide clear data on energy use, water consumption and temperature settings. This means performance must


be proven rather than assumed. As a result, monitoring is no longer an optional extra. It is becoming a core part of how data centres operate. A structured approach is needed to manage these risks. This starts with reducing exposure


through good design, such as separating water and electrical systems and ensuring effective drainage. It then moves to early detection, using sensors to monitor environmental conditions, water presence and power systems. Automated responses, such as shutting off valves or safely shutting down equipment, help prevent issues from escalating. Ongoing verification through data and reporting ensures systems continue to perform as expected. Plant protection becomes


something that is managed continuously, rather than something fixed at the design stage.


Effi ciency within limits Many of the strategies used to improve efficiency can introduce new risks if


away from reactive maintenance and towards a more predictive approach, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.


Essential sensing As data centres become more complex, sensing is becoming an essential part of the overall system. It needs to be integrated into


control strategies rather than treated separately. Open protocols such as BACnet and Modbus allow systems to work together and remain flexible over time. The use of both wired and wireless technologies, including LoRaWAN, makes it easier to monitor conditions across new and existing sites.


The focus is on key parameters such as temperature, humidity, condensation risk, water presence and power quality. These are direct indicators of system health and provide the information needed to maintain performance. The direction of travel is clear.


Artificial intelligence will continue to increase demand and variability. Liquid cooling will become more common. Climate risks will grow and expectations around reporting will continue to rise. As systems become more complex, the need for clear and reliable operation becomes more important. The most effective data centres will


be those where sensing, control and operation are fully aligned. Systems need to be designed not just for efficiency, but to perform reliably under changing conditions. Sustainability is often measured in


terms of efficiency. However, resilience is just as important. ■


EIBI | MAY 2026


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