Pioneering Colocation, Workplace Recovery, Renewable Energy, and Biodiversity Efforts Establish New Benchmarks for Sustainable Data Services
DSM Group, a prominent leader in IT infrastructure and data management, is thrilled to announce the opening of its flagship Eco Data Centre in Peterborough. This cutting-edge facility has been designed to cater to the rising demand for sustainable data storage and IT solutions, placing a significant focus on reducing carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy, advanced cooling technologies, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
The launch event saw attendance from the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough, Sam Carling MP, as well as industry experts, clients, and local residents. Speaking at the event, DSM Group’s CEO, Mike Richardson, emphasised the project’s importance, saying: “Our Eco Data Centre marks a pivotal moment for DSM and the wider IT industry. We are setting a new benchmark for sustainability in data services, blending high-performance technology with a strong commitment to protecting the environment.”
A key element of the DSM Eco Data Centre is its innovative approach to energy efficiency. The installation of a 200kW solar farm on site considerably reduces the facility’s dependence on traditional energy sources, allowing it to generate renewable energy for its day-to-day operations. This solar farm forms the foundation of the centre’s ambition to set an example for lowering the carbon emissions linked to IT infrastructure.
In addition to renewable energy, DSM has incorporated U-Systems water-cooled racks into the facility’s design. These state-of-the-art racks use water-based cooling, which is far more energy-efficient than conventional air-cooling methods. This technology is crucial in maintaining top-tier performance whilst minimising environmental impact.
The DSM Eco Data Centre is built to support modern business needs, offering colocation services that provide secure, flexible, and scalable data hosting. The facility boasts 24/7 monitoring, advanced security features, and resilient infrastructure, ensuring a 99.999% uptime for essential operations.
Alongside colocation, the centre features over 500 fully equipped workplace recovery positions, distributed across four dedicated suites, providing businesses with an operational backup in the event of disruption. Additionally, the facility includes an 18-seat executive boardroom and a 50-seat conference room, making it an ideal venue for corporate clients needing top-tier recovery and strategic planning spaces.
DSM’s environmental commitment extends beyond technology. The Eco Data Centre is situated on a site that will also host a nature reserve, developed to enhance and protect local biodiversity. The reserve features a large lake, which serves not only as a natural habitat for wildlife but also as part of the centre’s water management and cooling system, ensuring optimal conditions for the water-cooled racks.
The lake also served as the centrepiece for a charity lake dip held during the launch event, raising funds for two local charities, Little Miracles and Bliss. DSM Group contributed an additional £500 towards their £1,000 fundraising goal.
Strategically positioned in Peterborough, the DSM Eco Data Centre is less than 50 minutes by train from London and is easily accessible from major roads, including the A1M, A605, and A47. Its prime location ensures that businesses across the UK can benefit from this eco-friendly, high-performance data solution.
Looking to the future, DSM plans a second phase of expansion, aimed at further enhancing the Eco Data Centre’s capacity and sustainability initiatives, solidifying DSM’s leadership in environmentally friendly IT infrastructure.
The launch of the DSM Eco Data Centre marks a transformative step for both the company and the wider IT industry. CEO Mike Richardson concluded: “This facility isn’t just a technological achievement, it’s a testament to the future of sustainable business. We’re building a legacy of environmental stewardship that’s designed to benefit both our clients and the planet.”
