What Are the International Standards Applied in Data Centre Construction?
As the demand for data centres continues to grow worldwide, it is critically important for them to have high efficiency and long operational lifespans. Throughout all processes, from the design and construction to the operation of data centres, certain standards are in place to ensure security, effective performance, and energy efficiency. The standards set by international organizations and industry stakeholders ensure that data centres operate with minimum risk and at maximum capacity. So, what are the international standards used in data centre construction?
International Data Center Infrastructure Codes and Standards
Although there are national and local codes and standards for data centre construction, it is also necessary to follow international standards for the increasingly large and globalized data centres. International data centre standards and infrastructure codes are used to develop a common language among data centres and to understand the level of redundancy. These standards can help ensure that your data centres remain secure, sustainable, and competitive in the global market.
Uptime Institute Tier Standards
The tier standards established by the Uptime Institute evaluate data centres during the construction, design, and commissioning phases in terms of four levels of redundancy/reliability. The Uptime Institute is the first organization in the world to assess and compare the reliability of data centres. As a non-profit organization, the Uptime Institute examines data centres and certifies them according to various standards.
TIER 1
The Tier 1 certification is suitable for data centres with a single power source, typically chosen by data centres that are not very large and do not require extensive data storage. In data centres with this standard, distribution is carried out through a single channel, so in the event of a failure, the entire system needs to be shut down. While these centres may have generators for extended power outages, they do not include backups for system components.
TIER 2
Similar to Tier 1, data is distributed through a single channel in a Tier 2 system. However, in Tier 2, when data center components are out of service, the system can continue to operate partially thanks to backup power and cooling system components. Organizations that do not operate at high intensity or will not incur significant financial losses during system downtime typically choose the Tier 2 certification.
TIER 3
Tier 3 data centres, with an annual uptime rate of 99.982%, demonstrate the reliability and competence of companies. In this system, data centres have multiple distribution channels and backup systems. They include almost all protection systems except for some advanced protection methods found in Tier 4 systems.
TIER 4
The Tier 4 certification, awarded by the Uptime Institute, is the highest and most comprehensive certification, offering companies the maximum level of uptime and protection. In a Tier 4 system, every component has fault tolerance, meaning there is a backup for each part. These data centres can continue to operate even during power outages due to their redundant systems. Tier 4 data centres have an annual uptime rate of 99.995%.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certifications
When it comes to the operational processes and maintenance of data centres, there are several ISO standards that can be referenced. Various data centre procedures, including equipment lifecycle planning, financial management, and more, fall under the scope of ISO. Some of these operational standards include:
ISO 14000 Series
The International Standards for Environmental Management provide companies with various tools to develop a strategic approach to environmental issues. The most well-known and common of the ISO 14000 series is ISO 14001. The ISO 14000 series is used by organizations to minimize the environmental impacts of their activities. These standards are developed by a non-governmental organization and are entirely voluntary in their use. By obtaining ISO 14000 certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, it helps companies easily comply with environmental regulations in the countries where they operate.
ISO 50001
The ISO 50001 standard is designed to enhance energy efficiency, optimize energy consumption, and ensure the proper use of resources throughout a facility. By adopting the principle of continuous improvement, this standard helps organizations reduce energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and decrease dependence on imported energy.
ISO 14040
ISO 14040 focuses on Corporate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) processes, emphasizing the environmental impact assessment of materials used in data centre construction. This standard covers the entire lifecycle, from the processing and utilization of materials to their disposal at the end of their life. It highlights the importance of efficient and effective resource use while considering the potential for reducing recycling costs.
ISO 9001
The ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard is adopted by data centres to meet industry-specific needs and to ensure customer satisfaction. It enhances proactive decision-making mechanisms within data centres, accelerating business development and workflow processes.
ISO 45001
In data centre construction, it's essential to protect not only the safety of the data centre itself but also the physical and mental health and safety of employees. The Occupational Health and Safety Management System provided by ISO 45001 ensures a safe, sustainable, and healthy working environment for employees. It helps prevent potential workforce losses while preserving the corporate image.
European Data Center Standards
The European Data Center Standards, created by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) in 34 European countries, aims to present data centres in a certain standard in terms of shape, size and engineering technologies used. The EN50600 code is used to analyze the infrastructure of all data centres, whether large-scale or small-scale. It specifies and applies data centre construction, air conditioning, power supply, cabling, security systems, and other elements necessary for data centre operation.
Serban Adopts International Standards in Data Center Construction
Serban's quality policy is based on keeping customer satisfaction at the highest level and producing by international standards. The company aims to be a leader in its sector by continuously improving its quality management systems, adopting environmentally friendly production processes and emphasizing the training of its employees. In addition, complying with all legal and regulatory requirements, establishing bonded and trust-based relationships with customers, and offering the highest quality in its products and services are among the basic principles of Serban. In this direction, it adopts international standards in the fields of Quality, Occupational Health and Safety, Environment, Information Security and Business Continuity Management.