Ardmac Data Centres Newsletter May 2024
We’ve got News Ardmac Data Centre Solutions Newsletter May 2024
Hello from Ardmac,
Welcome to our newsletter, where we will keep you up to date with current developments and thinking within our Data Centre Unit. For this issue we have created a document which identifies the primary benefits of modular internal partition systems and explain how these systems of construction can introduce improvements in the areas of safety, productivity, cost, sustainability, schedule, and quality, among others. Peter Lonergan addresses the barriers surrounding modular construction methodologies in the Data Centre sector. We share the latest Ecosystem report, “Irish Digital Infrastructure: Collaborating for Growth” which we are delighted to be featured in again for 2024. Finally we take a look at a number of campaigns we are working on, including our women in construction focus and our new plans around pollination for 2024, signalling our commitment to biodiversity conservation. We hope you enjoy reading and if there is anything you’d like to see in future issues, please let us know.
04 MODULAR WHITEWALL. DRY WALL VS. WHITEWALL
16 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
10 MODULAR SUSPENDED STRUCTURAL AISLE CONTAINMENT SOLUTION
Chat to Roy Millar Chief Business Officer
Chat to Jason Casey Managing Director Operations
Chat to Peter Lonergan Associate Director Pre-Construction
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06 BARRIERS TO INTRODUCING INNOVATIVE, MODULAR CONSTRUC- TION METHODOLOGIES FOR THE DATA CENTRE SECTOR? 08 IRISH DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE: COLLABORATING FOR GROWTH
DATACLOUD 2024
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19 AWARDS
EVENTS
roy.millar@ardmac.com +353 (0) 868077887
jason.casey@ardmac.com +353 (0) 868553342
peter.lonergan@ardmac.com +353 (0) 860423176
14 BULBS IN THE COMMUNITY
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Modular Whitewall
Dry wall Vs. Whitewall WHAT TO CONSIDER Sustainability:
The phrase Modular Construction is often used to describe the assembly of three dimensional units, fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility, before being connected on site. At a smaller but equally effective scale, the phrase Modular Construction can also be attributed to a panelised or partially pre- assembled partition system, fabricated in an off-site factory setting. Components such as flat-pack panels, parts or assemblies can be described as modular. When joined or assembled in-situ, these systems can add up to a complete a modular interior partition solution. Whitewall is a system of certified fire-rated, inter-locking, modular panels with integrated door, window and fire stopping solutions for interior spaces. Whitewall is an economic, quick to build system, ideal for the construction of controlled environments, such as data centres. The solution offers an all-in solution that performs to a higher standard than traditional internal partition systems and generates improved construction performances as well as final results for facility owners and operators. We have identified the primary benefits of modular internal partition systems and explain how these systems of construction can introduce improvements in the areas of safety, productivity, cost, sustainability, schedule, and quality, among others. Read the full document here: https://www.ardmac.com/data-centre-construction-the-ardmac-internal- partition-playbook/
Modular whitewall panels are completed in a factory setting, are fully finished, and ready for installation. Therefore, less transportation is required to get materials to site when compared to drywall construction. One installation team is required to erect whitewall panels, reducing the overall site set up, resulting in less on-site labour, inductions, toolbox talks, and overall, down-time compared to drywall. Due to reduced labour on site, modular whitewall panels reduce management, and plant and equipment. With drywall construction, multiple trades are required to finish the partitions on site. Modular whitewall panels can be ordered to the sizes required for the project, creating opportunity for zero waste at both the manufacturing facility and the site. Less material cutting reduces safety risks, improves dust control, and reduces cleaning across the site. Additionally, the materials used to make the panels are recyclable. Quality: Reduced Site Inspections: Modular whitewall panels are pre-finished meaning partitions are completed in a single installation. This reduces the risk of quality issues when compared to drywall and reduces site quality inspections and potential schedule hold points. Comparatively, drywall is installed in multiple phases, requiring site inspections as each portion of the studs, boarding, taping, jointing, and painting are completed.
Read the full document here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/451265926/
01. QUALITY Pre-finished product. Reduced site inspections Repairs are easy to complete. Compliant fire strategies including doors and fire stopping.
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04. SITE MANAGEMENT: LOGISTICS & STORAGE Internal and external storage opportunities. Reduced on site handling with finished product. 03. SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION 40% faster than traditional partition assemblies. Service penetrations are easy to implement. Enables early access for following trades. 02. SAFETY & REDUCED RISK Less labour & site staff reduces safety risks. Reduced working at height.
05. SUSTAINABILITY Reduced management, labour, transport, site inductions.
Improved compliance. Recyclable materials.
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What are the barriers to introducing innovative, modular construction methodologies for the Data Centre sector?
research identified enablers that underscore the increasing validation of modular construction in the data centre sector. These enablers extend beyond immediate efficiency gains, highlighting the potential for collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships across the supplier ecosystem. However, the research also brought to light a spectrum of barriers hindering the widespread adoption of modular methods. These barriers span contractual, cultural, financial, knowledge, leadership, logistics, and technical dimensions. Despite these challenges, the research offers valuable recommendations to overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of modular construction in the data centre sector. Enablers: Collaborative Opportunities in the Supplier Ecosystem One of the standout enablers identified is the collaborative opportunities within the supplier ecosystem. The productisation and servitisation of data centre construction offerings can result in investment in innovative modularised solutions for supply-based organisations. This not only creates competitive advantages but also enhances the overall value proposition for companies like Ardmac, serving the market. Barriers: A Spectrum of Challenges Across Dimensions In uncovering the barriers to widespread adoption, the research identified contractual, cultural, financial, knowledge, leadership, logistics, and technical challenges. Contractually, the inflexibility to introduce change and innovation emerged as a significant barrier. Culturally, attitudinal resistance and a reluctance to embrace change presented formidable obstacles. Financial constraints, a lack of shared knowledge, and leadership issues also featured prominently.
Recommendations: Strategic Initiatives for Overcoming Barriers In response to the identified barriers, the research proposes strategic recommendations. Contractually, flexibility is highlighted as a key factor, requiring proactive leadership roles from end-users to drive change and innovation. Increased technical knowledge and data supporting modular solutions are proposed as potential drivers to mitigate cultural barriers, including attitudinal resistance to change. Future Research: Paving the Way for Industry Evolution Looking forward, the research suggests several avenues for future exploration. Multiple case studies focused on modularity in the data centre sector, along with replication of the primary research, could enhance generalisability. Additionally, a comparative analysis of modular versus conventional construction methods could provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders. Conclusion: Shaping a Resilient and Innovative Data Centre Future In conclusion, the research project illuminates a path toward a more resilient and innovative future for data centre construction. The research contributes to the ongoing conversation about the transformative potential of modular construction in the data centre sector. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research serve as a guide for industry leaders, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the complexities of modern data centre infrastructure. The call to action is clear: embrace modularity, overcome barriers, and collectively shape a future where data centres are not just structures but dynamic hubs powering the digital world. Read the article here: https://www.ardmac.com/ barriers-to-introducing-innovative-modular- construction-methodologies-for-the-data-centre- sector/
at a critical juncture. With exponential growth in data consumption, the demand for scalable, flexible, and sustainable data centre solutions has never been more pronounced. Traditional construction methods face limitations in meeting the dynamic needs of modern data centre infrastructure. The research sought to address this gap by examining the potential of modular construction as a transformative force in the industry. Research Question: Navigating the Landscape of Modular Construction in Data Centres The primary research question driving this initiative was: How can innovative, modular construction techniques be effectively integrated into the data centre sector, and what barriers impede their widespread adoption? This question encapsulated the overarching goal of the research – to uncover insights that can inform and revolutionise data centre construction practices. Key Findings: Navigating Enablers, Barriers, and Recommendations Through a research framework encompassing both secondary and primary research methodologies, key findings emerged. The
Introduction: Pioneering Innovation in Data Centre Construction Through Modular Methods In response to the ever-evolving landscape of data centre infrastructure, Peter Lonergan embarked on a research initiative to explore the potential of modular construction methodologies as part of a Msc. In Leadership, Innovation and Technology. The motivation behind this research stems from the challenges posed by growing demand for adaptable, efficient, and sustainable data centre solutions. The research explores the potential reshaping of data centre construction by unravelling the complexities and possibilities associated with modular methods. Motivation and Research Relevance: The Data Centre Sector in Flux : The contemporary data centre sector finds itself
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“ We pride ourselves in providing our clients proven technical solutions with cost and programme certainty, greatly assisted by engaging as early as possible with all those impacting the construction process.”
Irish digital infrastructure: Collaborating for growth
Ardmac are delighted to continue our support for the Host in Ireland Ecosystem Report in 2024, “Irish Digital Infrastructure: Collaborating for Growth”. This report highlights the collabo - rative efforts of industry stakeholders to promote sustainable growth in the Data Centre sector in Ireland. We are especially proud to have Peter Lonergan, Associate Director Pre-Construction, featured in this edition. As outlined in the previous Host in Ireland Ecosystem Reports, 2022 - The I.R.I.S.H. Data centre Ecosystem Explained, and 2023 - Digital infrastructure: An Irish Export Success, the digital infrastructure industry in Ireland has seen significant growth and success over the past 15 years, with Irish companies showcasing their expertise not just locally but on the global stage. Despite - or even because of uncertainties surrounding data centre power connections at home, Irish companies are actively involved in designing, building, and operating digital infrastructure worldwide. Ecosystem Report 2024, “Irish Digital Infrastructure: Collab - orating for Growth” talks about the influx of new innovative companies into the Irish digital infrastructure landscape and continued commitment of established players to highlight a collective determination to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. The upcoming data centre refresh cycle in Ireland presents an opportunity for innovation and collabora - tion, with the potential to create long-term jobs and enhance efficiency and sustainability. Despite challenges, the industry remains resilient and focused on sustainable growth. Link to report on website: Here
Peter Lonergan Associate Director Pre-Construction
Download full report here:
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Modular Suspended Structural Aisle Containment Solution Ardmac were appointed to deliver the specialist interior fit-out of a hyper-scale data centre project in Denmark for a well-known global brand. Part of the scope included suspended structural ceiling grids and a bespoke aisle containment solution tailored to the end user’s needs. Aisle containment systems enclosed the space between server racks, collecting the IT equipment’s hot exhaust air, while the data hall architectural elements created a large cold-air plenum. This keeps the hot and cold air streams separated, ensuring effective cooling and PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness). Given the complexity of the build and the requirement for fully integrated electrical services within suspended structural cold aisles, modular solutions leveraging the benefits of off-site construction and DfMA strategies have been utilised.
Read the full case study HERE
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THE ANNUAL KICKSTART EUROPE CONFERENCE Febuary 2024
FEBRUARY 26 & 27 2024, AMSTERDAM.
Ardmac’s Jason Casey, Managing Director of Operations and Peter Lonergan, Associate Director Pre- Construction attended the Kickstart Europe Conference in Amsterdam on February 26th and 27th. KickStart Europe is the Annual Strategy & Networking conference on trends and investments in tech and digital infrastructure. By bringing together an array of industry professionals at the start of the year, Kickstart Europe helps to explore the emerging trends and technology shaping the digital industry and digital infrastructure of cloud, connectivity and data centers.
National Construction Summit 2024
Data centre world Conference March 2024 MARCH 6 & 7 2024, LONDON.
APRIL 18TH 2024 , IRELAND.
Peter Lonergan, Associate Director at Ardmac, joined the panel at the Data Centres & Critical Infrastructure discussion, as part of the National Construction Summit. The topic of discussion was ‘Prefabrication/ Modularisation: Has it’s Time Finally Come?’.
Ardmac’s Peter Lonergan, Associate Director Pre-Construction attended the Data Centre World event in London.
Ardmac provide internal architectural solutions and to date have provided more than 400,000m² of white-space and over 600MW of capacity for some of Europe’s largest data centres.
Learn more about our data centre solutions here: https://hubs.la/Q02nkSXh0
12 Schedule a meet up with one of the Ardmac team. Contact us directly or through Linkedin. We would be delighted to see you at any future events.
June 5th Datacloud Global Congress Roy Miller, Jason Casey, Peter Lonergan & Karen O’Hara.
#ArdmacEvents Upcoming events
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Bulbs Out Bees In
NUMBERS SO FAR
Communities
396
Counties
32
Schools & Colleges 222 Community Groups 171 Pledger Companies 73
year being part of this wonderful initiative building awareness, advo- cacy and most of all taking action. Pollinator Plan: Introducing a groundbreaking initiative, the first colaboration with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, it offers a com- prehensive toolkit comprising 42 pollinator-friendly actions. As partners of Host in Ireland, we will be participating in this vital en- deavour, signaling our commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem, gardeners are seeking ways to support these vital pollinators. One simple and ef- fective method is planting bulbs specifically chosen to attract and nourish bees. From vibrant tulips to delicate crocuses, these floral delights not only add beauty to our gardens but also provide essential food sources for bees. By 2050, we could lose 90% of the bumblebee population in Ireland. In 2019, they were down 24% year on year. 1/3 of our 101 wild bee spe- cies are under threat of extinction. DCs for Bees Purpose Ardmac are members of the initia- tive “DCs for Bees” who’s purpose is to halt the decline of bees in Ireland and beyond.This is our 4th
3,587 Orchards =
Why Bulbs in the Community This is an extension of the Orchards in the Community project. Bulbs bloom early in the Spring, providing an essential source of nectar and pollen for pollinators that emerge from hibernation or overwintering.They are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for various garden settings, including rock gardens, borders, and meadows.
Recommended Bulbs
Crocus
2/3
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)
1/3
250 Bulbs per Orchard =
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WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, let’s #InspireInclusion.
We reached out to some of our staff members, Caoimhe Matthews, Recruitment Manager in HR and Lisa Donnegan, Design Lead in Engineering to share their experiences. To see their videos please click on the below links
WIC AWARDS It is the first year of the WIC awards and we are excited to have entered 2 of our women in construction for excellence in their areas.The judges will be looking for experienced professionals who are making significant contributions to their company, projects and to the industry. Keep your fingers crossed for Justine and Thays!
Click here for Lisa Donnegan’s video
Click here for Caoimhe Matthew’s video See also the interviews we conducted
When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice. When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. And we must do this each time, every time. When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not?” As a business, we recognise the valuable contributions that women bring to the construction industry and are proud to champion their skills and expertise. Together, we are #inspiringinclusion and shaping a more diverse and dynamic future for construction. gender equality and strive to build a supportive community where women can thrive and succeed.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we were delighted to celebrate the inspiring women within our workforce. This year’s theme was #InspiringInclusion, which is a reminder of the importance of representation and empowering all employees to reach their full potential. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. We are committed to supporting and empowering women in the construction industry. Our Women in Construction initiative aims to encourage and inspire more women to pursue careers in this traditionally male-dominated field. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to creating a more inclusive workplace for all. At Ardmac it is of high importance for us to provide mentorship, networking op- portunities, and professional development resources for women at all stages of their construction careers. We actively promote
with our female graduates Lauren O’Shea Click here Helen Davies Click here Oana Duta Click here
“In Ardmac, we have a split 79% male to 21% female , which may not seem like a lot, but in general in construction according to the CSO it is on average 91% male to 9% female ”
Thays Brito SHEQ Advisor Best Health & Safety Leadership
Justine Geminiani Pre Construction Lead Excellence in Senior Leadership Excellence in Project Management
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#Awards
Health and Safety Excellence Ardmac were delighted to be announced as winners of the “Construction (Large Organisation)” category at the Health and Safety Excellence Awards. Our Safety First programme has been recognised as one of the leading programmes in Ireland’s construction industry, that has delivered the best health and safety initiative over the last 12 months. The Ardmac Safety First programme is designed to improve ownership and leadership among our people to be the very best we can be and to re-think the way that we manage and behave towards working safely. As our guiding principle, the safety of our people is at the core of Ardmac’s values, and we look forward to further devel- oping our initiatives in 2024.
We’re Attending - Schedule a meeting
Roy Millar Ardmac Chief Business Officer roy.millar@ardmac.com +353 8680 77887 Karen O’Hara Ardmac Head of Sales & Marketing karen.ohara@ardmac.com +353 86 3291860
Jason Casey Ardmac MD Operations jason.casey@ardmac.com +353 8685 53342
Peter Lonergan Ardmac Assoc. Director Pre Construction peter.lonergan@ardmac.com +353 8604 23176
Rospa 2024 #Awards
The RoSPA Awards Adjudication Panel have awarded Ardmac the RoSPA Order of Distinction (24 consecutive Golds) Award for Health and Safety perfor- mance. We are incredibly proud to re - ceive this honour and recognition of our Safety First programme. Safety First takes an innovative approach to the management of safety and the development of our safety culture.
Datacloud Global Congress 2024 will see over 2,500 senior decision makers gathering in the heart of the French Riviera, Cannes, to network, close deals and gain insights from world-class digital infrastructure experts. The event brings together finance and tech leaders, enterprise representatives, terrestrial and subsea fibre providers, energy companies, and government agencies. We look forward to hearing from industry leaders on some of the most pressing topics for data centers including, M&A, managing power constraints, future proofing for AI, cooling and much more.
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Ardmac Dublin Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 D8H0, Ireland. E: info@ardmac.com T: +353 (0) 1 894 8800
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