Building a data centre: Planning, construction and operation __

Building a data centre: Planning, construction and operation
2. July 2025 9 min.

Your own digital infrastructure that is future-proof, efficient and legally compliant? Where you have sovereignty over your data? Then there is no way around building your own data centre. This is the only way to gain strategic advantages - from data control to performance.

The digital transformation requires powerful, scalable and secure IT infrastructures. Data centres are at the heart of value creation: they make it possible to manage sensitive data independently, meet country-specific regulatory requirements and operate business-critical applications with maximum availability.

It is advisable to build your own data centre if the following criteria are met:

  • High requirements for data protection, compliance and customisability
  • Long-term, plannable requirements for IT performance and storage
  • Strategic independence from external service providers or cloud providers
  • High performance for real-time processing of large amounts of data
  • Low latency

The initial investment is amortised through operational reliability, scalability and the ability to implement technological innovations independently. ROI is usually achieved after 5 to 7 years.

This guide addresses the key questions and success factors when building a data centre and supports decision-makers and planners in their approach.

The blog focuses on the following topics:

 

  • Planning a data centre: Requirements, stakeholders, budget and timeframe
  • Site selection and infrastructure: selection criteria and legal framework conditions
  • Successfully building a data centre: Architecture, structural requirements and integration of modern pipework systems
  • Technical infrastructure: energy supply, cooling, networks
  • Security and compliance concepts
  • Sustainability and energy efficiency
  • Operation, maintenance and future viability

 

Data centre planning: defining requirements at an early stage

Companies that want to build a successful data centre start with a precise and comprehensive planning phase. The early definition of all data centre requirements forms the foundation for a smooth process and minimises subsequent adjustment costs. It is crucial to systematically record technical, regulatory and economic aspects and transfer them into a viable project structure.

Technical requirements for a data centre

The performance of a data centre after its construction is measured by its availability and reliability. Companies should set clear target values for the desired availability class (e.g. Tier I-IV) at the outset and define redundancy concepts for critical systems such as power supply, cooling and network. This is the only way to avoid subsequent bottlenecks and operational risks. Analysing typical load profiles and capacity requirements enables the infrastructure to be dimensioned in line with demand.

Define budget framework and project schedule

A reliable budget framework and a realistic project schedule create transparency and security during the planning of the data centre. In addition to construction and equipment costs, the cost structure also includes expenses for authorisations, certifications, personnel and ongoing operations. Early cost estimates and milestone planning help to optimise the use of resources and manage risks.

Identify stakeholders and set up a project structure

The success of a data centre project depends to a large extent on the early involvement of all relevant stakeholders - from IT and facility management to management, authorities and external partners. Structured stakeholder management promotes acceptance, minimises conflicts and enables efficient project management as soon as you plan to build a data centre.

Legal requirements and industry-specific standards

Before you can build a data centre, you must comply with a large number of legal requirements and industry-specific standards relating to the physical protection of the infrastructure as well as IT security and data protection. The most important international standards include

  • ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management systems
  • EN 50600 for the planning and operation of data centres
  • ISO 27017, ISO 27018 or ISO 27701 for cloud and data protection requirements

In addition, there are regional and national regulations such as the GDPR (EU), HIPAA (USA), LGPD (Brazil), PIPEDA (Canada), the Australian Privacy Act and Asian regulations such as GB/T 22239 and GB/T 43331-2023 in China, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Singapore, the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) in Japan and Government Regulation 71/2019 in Indonesia.

 

Successful establishment of a data centre through the right choice of location and optimal infrastructure requirements

The choice of location is a strategic asset for the availability, security and efficiency of a data centre. It not only influences operating costs and reliability, but also compliance with regulatory requirements and the future viability of the IT infrastructure. Companies wishing to build a data centre should pay attention to the following factors:

  • Power supply: A stable, multi-redundant power connection is essential as soon as you build a data centre. Ideally, several power suppliers should be available, supplemented by uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) and emergency power generators to maintain operations even in the event of power failures.
  • Internet and network connectivity: The site should provide access to multiple independent internet backbones to maximise bandwidth and resilience. Proximity to major internet hubs is a clear location advantage.
  • Failure risks and natural hazards: Locations with a low risk of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or extreme weather events should be favoured. Sufficient distance from sources of danger such as chemical plants or main traffic routes is also recommended.
  • Legal framework conditions: The construction of a data centre requires a large number of approvals - from planning permission and water permits for the cooling water supply to immission control regulations for emergency power generators. Early coordination with municipalities and authorities avoids delays in the approval process and realises synergies, for example in the use of waste heat.
  • Neighbourhood analysis: Sufficient space availability for current requirements and future expansions is a must, especially with growing requirements or modular expansion concepts. Neighbourhood influences, such as the acceptance of the project in the community, potential conflicts of use and the connection to transport and delivery routes have a significant impact on the construction of the data centre. Energy costs and sustainability, such as proximity to renewable energy sources and the possibility of utilising waste heat, are becoming increasingly important due to legal requirements.

The right location forms the foundation for availability and growth in planning. Only those who think about energy, connections, safety and authorisations at an early stage can plan sustainably. A good environment creates space for development and acceptance in the region - this is how you build a future-proof data centre.

Building a data centre: from architecture to implementation

Setting up the technical infrastructure for a data centre: Energy, cooling and networks as the backbone of the data centre

The technical infrastructure is at the heart of building a data centre. It plays a decisive role in operational reliability, efficiency and future viability. The focus here is on three areas: energy supply, cooling and the network backbone.

Power supply with redundancy and reliability

Uninterrupted operation requires a multi-layered, redundant power supply. The selection and dimensioning of the power supply should be based on the size of the data centre, the hardware requirements and the desired availability classes during the planning phase. Typical components are

  • UPS systems (uninterruptible power supply): They provide immediate power in the event of failures and protect against voltage peaks. UPSs bridge the time until emergency power generators start up.
  • Diesel generators: They secure the long-term power supply in the event of prolonged outages.
  • Duplicated power supply paths: All critical systems are connected to two independent power sources to further minimise the risk of failure.

 

Cooling through innovative PP pipework systems

Cooling is one of the biggest energy consumers in the data centre, and companies should carefully consider this point before setting it up. Modern systems rely on liquid cooling. PP pipework systems from aquatherm offer decisive advantages here.

  • The aquatherm blue pipe system made of PP-RCT ensures optimum heat dissipation. This can significantly improve the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) value.
  • The corrosion-free, chemical-resistant and pressure-resistant pipes ensure leak-free cooling - even at high power densities.
  • The CO₂ balance of PP pipes is significantly better than that of steel or copper pipes .

 

Network backbone for high-performance and secure data streams

The backbone network when setting up a data centre consists of high-performance routers, switches and fibre optic cables that enable high bandwidths and low latency times. Important components are

  • Core routers and switches
  • Fibre optic cabling
  • Redundant network paths

 

Building a legally compliant data centre: Security concepts and compliance requirements as holistic protection

The security and compliance of a data centre are key requirements for trouble-free, legally compliant operation. Modern security concepts combine physical protection measures with comprehensive IT security and are based on international standards and current legal requirements.

Physical security

An effective security concept includes multi-level access controls with biometric scanners, electronic access cards and comprehensive authentication procedures. Seamless video surveillance documents all access and movements in the data centre and enables a rapid response to irregularities. A secure perimeter with fences, locks and regular patrols reliably protects the site against unauthorised access and possible acts of sabotage.

Fire protection and emergency management

Automatic fire detection and extinguishing systems are used to protect against fire incidents, supplemented by structural separation into fire compartments to prevent extensive damage. Detailed emergency plans are in place for emergencies, which are tested and kept up to date through regular drills.

IT security

Firewalls, intrusion detection systems and targeted network segmentation ensure that critical systems are isolated and unauthorised access is blocked. DDoS protection solutions recognise attacks in real time and prevent service outages. In addition, consistent data encryption protects sensitive information both at rest and in transit.

 

International and European standards for the construction of a data centre

Operators use recognised standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Use these key regulations and their relevance as soon as you want to build a data centre:

Standards Region

Centre of gravity / area of application

EN 50600

EU

Structural, technical and organisational requirements for data centres 

ISO 27001 / ISO 27701

International

Information security management / extension to include data protection

ISO 22301

International

Business Continuity Management (BCM)

ISO 50001

International

Energy management in data centres and other organisations

DSGVO

EU

General Data Protection Regulation for personal data 

BSI-KritisV

Deutschland

Protection of critical infrastructures (incl. reporting obligations and security standards)

NIS-2

EU

EU-wide directive to strengthen cyber security in essential and important organisations 

DORA

EU

Digital resilience in the financial sector

KRITIS umbrella law

Germany

Binding from 2025: Minimum standards for resilience, crisis management and reporting structures 

EnEfG

Germany

Energy Efficiency Act: Obligation to increase efficiency in data centre operations

EED

EU

Energy Efficiency Directive: EU framework for energy saving, to be transposed into national law 

ANSI/TIA-942

USA

Standard for data centre infrastructure (availability, physical security, telecommunications)

Uptime Tier Standard

USA

Certification of availability classes (Tier I-IV) by the Uptime Institute 

NIST SP 800-53

USA

Framework for IT and data security in the public and regulated sector

HIPAA

USA

Protection of health data (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) 

PCI DSS

International / USA

Security of payment data (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)

GB/T 22239 / GB/T 43331-2023

China

National standards for information security and data centre requirements 

PDPA

 Singapore 

Personal Data Protection Act

APPI

Japan

Data protection law for companies with data relating to Japanese citizens 

MTCS

Singapore

Multi-Tier Cloud Security Standard: Cloud security requirements

Regulation 71/2019

 Indonesia 

Data localisation requirements for digital services 

Privacy Act

Australia

Privacy Act: Collection, storage and processing of personal data

ISM

Australia

Information Security Manual: Guidelines for cyber security in the government environment 

The regulatory requirements for data centres continue to increase after they have been set up, particularly due to the international harmonisation of standards and the growing threat of cyber attacks. Companies must continuously adapt their security and compliance strategies to avoid legal risks and business interruptions.

 

Sustainability and energy efficiency in data centre construction

Legal requirements, rising energy costs and political pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions - sustainability has long been a key objective when building a data centre. The industry is faced with the challenge of combining maximum performance with minimum resource consumption while fulfilling regulatory requirements.

PUE value as a key indicator for energy efficiency

The Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) value is the most important indicator for the energy efficiency of a data centre. It describes the ratio of total energy consumption to the energy actually used for IT. Modern data centres strive for a PUE of less than 1.5 during construction, while top systems achieve values close to 1.0 - a sign of minimal energy loss outside of the IT load. Optimisation measures:

  • Use of energy-efficient cooling technologies
  • Use of lithium-ion batteries for UPS systems to reduce space requirements and energy losses
  • Modularisation of infrastructure for targeted cooling and reduced space consumption

 

Heat recovery and waste heat utilisation

Cooling accounts for a significant proportion of energy consumption. Before building your data centre, find out about innovative concepts such as heat recovery: the waste heat from the data centre is brought to a usable temperature level via heat pumps and used for heating purposes or industrial processes.

Resource-saving and durable materials

In addition to energy consumption, the CO₂ footprint of the building's construction is becoming a focal point. The use of durable, corrosion-free, recyclable materials such as PP pipework systems from aquatherm is exemplary here. aquatherm's comprehensive EPD environmental product declarations document emissions during production and transport, among other things.

 

Funding opportunities and legal framework conditions

Around the world, funding opportunities and tax benefits for the construction of data centres are usually linked to compliance with efficiency standards such as PUE limits, waste heat utilisation and the use of renewable energies. In many countries - such as the EU, the USA, China and Japan - operators are obliged to monitor energy consumption and efficiency, report regularly and comply with certain target values. In addition, proof of a certified energy or environmental management system (e.g. in accordance with ISO 50001) is often a prerequisite for funding programmes or tax relief.

 

Building a durable and fail-safe data centre

A high-performance data centre will only remain reliable and efficient if operation and maintenance meet the highest standards. The continuous maintenance of all systems - from the power supply and cooling to the pipework systems - is crucial for long-term high availability and compliance with regulatory requirements. You should pay attention to the following factors after setting up your data centre:

Standards  Requirements   

 Regular maintenance of all systems 

  • Power and UPS systems
  • Cooling and air conditioning systems
  • Network and IT infrastructure 
 

 Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) 

  • Real-time monitoring of all operating data using sensors
  • Early fault detection through automated alarms
  • Identify optimisation potential through analyses of energy consumption and capacity utilisation
  •  Seamless logging of maintenance and service work supports compliance requirements 
 

 Staff qualifications 

  •  Training and certifications keep staff up to date with the latest technical and legal developments
 

 Emergency management 

  • Clear processes and regular drills ensure rapid responses to incidents
  •  External service providers promote coordination within the team  
 

Service contracts 

  • Long-term collaboration with experienced partners ensures availability of spare parts and expert knowledge
  •  Operating costs remain predictable and unplanned downtimes can be minimised 
 

 

Reliable operation of the data centre does not end with completion - it is just the beginning. Regular maintenance, smart monitoring and a trained team ensure smooth day-to-day operations. In an emergency, clear processes and strong partners at your side count. This ensures that your data centre remains secure, efficient and operational in the long term once it has been set up.

 

Conclusion: Building data centres correctly with structure and foresight

Companies are faced with the task of making their digital infrastructure future-proof, efficient and compliant. Building their own data centre offers the opportunity to achieve maximum data control, customised performance and resource-saving value creation. At the same time, the requirements for energy efficiency, compliance and operational security are constantly increasing.

The central question is: How can a data centre be planned and built to meet current and future requirements and safeguard investments in the long term?

Our blog shows that forward-looking, structured data centre planning, the selection of reliable technologies, consistent compliance with regulatory requirements and an operating concept that is designed for ease of maintenance and scalability are crucial for success. Companies that address these factors not only secure a competitive advantage, but also create the basis for growth and technological resilience.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts. Together we will develop a solution that fits your IT strategy:

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