ESG, Analytics and Skilled Labour Key to Supporting Data Centre Boom, According to Industry Leaders

Procore releases discussion paper on future proofing data centre construction, covering how data and analytics can drive efficiencies and improve ESG across the industry

Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR), a leading global provider of construction management software, today released a whitepaper, Keeping Up With the Data Centre Boom, exploring the complex trends in data centre construction.

With increased demand, rising material costs and growing expectations that construction be completed faster, data centre owners are under considerable pressure to build at scale and pace, while maintaining quality and controlling costs. The added challenges of widespread skilled labour shortages and carbon neutrality goals within the sector have made leveraging technology platforms including data and analytics critical to unlocking efficiencies.

The Keeping up With the Data Centre Boom whitepaper is the product of a recent roundtable discussion between data centre industry leaders at the Luna Park Convention Centre in Sydney, hosted by Procore. Executives in attendance were from AREA3, Linesight, Global Switch, Endeavour Energy, AECOM, FDC Construction & Fitout, Equinix, Turner & Townsend, Fujitsu ANZ and Digital Realty, and the conversation was moderated by Data centre Consultant, Advisor and Investor, Daryl Dunbar.

The paper captures the key themes from the discussion, including:

• The importance of data centre operators embracing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities and the realistic prospects of achieving carbon neutral data centres.

• How data and analytics can drive efficiencies during the construction of data centres and help them run more sustainably and effectively once in operation.

• The significant impact of the current widespread skills shortage on the sector, and the grassroots approach needed to better promote the sector to workers.

• How the rise in “edge” data centres (smaller facilities located close to the populations they serve) has presented risks and opportunities in relation to ESG.

“Data centres form the backbone of our digital society, so it’s great to see industry leaders coming together to unpack the challenges facing the sector and discuss solutions to future-proof these facilities,” said Tom Karemacher, vice president APAC, Procore.

“With the skilled labour shortage affecting every segment of construction and ESG measures becoming non-negotiable, Procore is proud to support our customers with technology that enables them to maximise their resources and keep track of their ESG commitments and outcomes. We look forward to seeing growth in this area as more companies understand the value of data in helping to reduce emissions in the industry.”

Download the Keeping up With the Data Centre Boom whitepaper here.