A data center is a purpose-built building or facility where large volumes of digital data are stored and processed using servers and computers. Data centers have advanced cooling, power supply, and security systems that ensure continuous operation and protection of equipment and data. Data centers are the foundation of modern digital society.

A data center stores, processes, and distributes digital data.

It is a specialized building with thousands of servers that support, for example:

• websites and cloud services
• applications and social media platforms
• corporate data and databases
• email and file storage

Simply put, a data center is the physical "home" of the internet and digital services.

Data center project preparation must consider:

• Stormwater, environmental, and geotechnical studies
• Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency considerations
• Environmental impact assessments
• Ecological, noise, and traffic studies
• Zoning and land use planning
• Energy efficiency 
• Carbon footprint analysis
• Geospatial analysis
• Project management
• Geotechnical, infrastructure, structural, and building technology design
• Permitting and regulatory compliance

Comprehensive stormwater, environmental, and geotechnical studies are essential in data center project preparation. Sustainability—both environmental and energy-related—must be integrated from the start. Geospatial technology facilitates critical tasks such as determining optimal building locations

Sitowise provides all required studies, project management services, and expertise in geotechnical engineering, infrastructure, structural design, and building technology, as well as comprehensive sustainability services.

We understand environmental permitting requirements and ensure efficient project launch for your data center. We have extensive experience with environmental impact assessments, ecological studies, noise and traffic analyses, and zoning processes. We also help clients secure necessary permits, including environmental, water, and chemical permits.

Our project management services cover everything from design to construction management. When needed, we also act as expert support for the owner's project manager, develop project status overviews, operating models, and roadmaps, and implement strategic guidance. We also evaluate the impact of different design solutions on data center energy efficiency, lifecycle carbon footprint, and costs.

The efficient and reliable operation of data centers depends on careful mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering. Critical factors include cooling systems that manage equipment heat loads, as well as reliable power supply and backup power systems that ensure uninterrupted operations. Energy system design also emphasizes heat recovery, which can be implemented locally or integrated into district heating systems. This approach improves the data center's energy efficiency, supports environmental objectives, and contributes to reducing overall energy consumption.

Structurally, data centers must be designed to meet general building requirements, technical specifications, and permitting requirements. Key technical requirements address structural strength and stability, fire safety, and health and safety standards. Operational safety, accessibility, and acoustic performance must also be considered in accordance with applicable building codes.

Electrical and fire safety systems keep facilities safe and operational. Additionally, backup systems for telecommunications, robust physical security, and fire suppression systems support continuous operation. Design must also prioritize energy efficiency and flexibility so that facilities can adapt to evolving technology requirements.

In designing data center energy systems, we emphasize heat recovery, which can be implemented locally or integrated into centralized energy systems, such as district heating networks. An energy system designed this way not only improves the data center's energy efficiency but also supports environmental objectives and contributes to reducing overall energy consumption.

• Our project management and construction management services cover all life-cycle phases and delivery methods of data center projects—from design through construction management.
• In construction management, we act as expert support for the owner's project manager, develop the project roadmap and operating model, monitor project progress, and provide strategic guidance. We also evaluate the impact of different design solutions on data center energy efficiency, life-cycle carbon footprint, and costs.
• During the construction phase, our supervision and coordination experts ensure regulatory and plan compliance as well as health and safety standards.
• In data center projects executed using the EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) or PMC (Project Management Consultant) delivery models, we are responsible for delivering the entire project to meet financial, schedule, and quality objectives. Our approach enables client-focused project management, cost-effective procurement, and safe and efficient construction administration.

Modernizing a well-located data center to meet current power density requirements can be a cost-effective way to scale operations. The capacity of a typical early 2000s data center can often be increased up to tenfold, while simultaneously updating sustainability and energy efficiency to current standards.

We modernize existing data centers by upgrading energy efficiency, sustainability, and security systems.