Pure Data Centres is set to redefine sustainability in the data center industry by constructing the world’s largest living wall at its Brent Cross campus in North London. The massive installation, covering 7,400 sqm (79,642 sq ft), has received planning approval and will adorn the second building on the campus. Once completed, it will surpass the current largest living wall on the Khalifa Avenue building in Qatar, which spans 7,000 sqm (75,347 sq ft).
Enhancing Capacity and Environmental Impact
The project is part of an expansion effort that will bring the campus’ total capacity to an impressive 90MW. Work is already underway at the site adjacent to Pure DC’s existing London data center. The living wall will not only be a visually striking feature but will also serve functional purposes, such as noise absorption and air pollution filtration.
Innovative Modular Design with Over 750,000 Plants
The living wall will feature over 750,000 individual plants, installed using a modular system designed for efficiency and scalability. This initiative aims to provide a habitat for birds and insects, enhancing local biodiversity. Additionally, the wall will act as a protective layer, reducing solar gain and improving the building’s microclimate.
Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure DC, emphasized the significance of the project, stating: “The data center industry is facing a critical challenge of building the digital infrastructure needed to support the demands of global data growth in a way that also takes care of the local environment. Gaining planning permission for the living wall is an exciting step in our effort to meet this challenge head-on.”
A Growing Trend: Living Walls in Data Centers
Examples of Green Data Center Initiatives
Pure DC’s ambitious project is part of a broader trend in the data center industry. Yondr, for instance, plans to install a living wall at its 100MW campus in Slough, West London. Such initiatives reflect an increasing focus on combining operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Balancing Benefits and Challenges
Living walls are celebrated for their potential to reduce noise, improve air quality, and create habitats for wildlife. However, critics point out challenges such as high maintenance costs, significant water consumption, and limited biodiversity benefits if inappropriate plant species are chosen. Careful planning and execution are essential to maximize the ecological and operational advantages of these installations.
Pure DC’s Global Expansion Plans
Established in 2015 and backed by Oaktree Capital Management, Pure DC currently operates or is developing over 250MW of IT capacity across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In December 2024, the company announced its entry into the Spanish market with the acquisition of a 190,000 sq ft (17,650 sqm) site in Madrid’s Meco area.
FAQ: Living Walls in Data Centers
What is the purpose of a living wall on a data center?
Living walls serve multiple purposes, including noise reduction, air pollution filtration, habitat creation for wildlife, and improved thermal insulation for buildings.
How does a living wall improve a data center’s efficiency?
By reducing solar gain, living walls help regulate building temperatures, potentially lowering cooling costs and improving overall energy efficiency.
Are living walls difficult to maintain?
Living walls require regular maintenance, including irrigation, pruning, and plant replacement. Proper planning and the use of efficient modular systems can help mitigate these challenges.
Do living walls offer significant ecological benefits?
When designed with appropriate plant species, living walls can support biodiversity by providing habitats for birds and insects. However, their ecological impact depends on careful selection and management.
Are living walls becoming common in the data center industry?
Yes, more data centers are adopting living walls as part of their sustainability efforts. These installations align with industry goals to reduce environmental impact and promote green initiatives.
