A good question. And is it possible for a data centre, adjacent and serving a public space with recaptured heat energy to be an exemplar for the electrification and decarbonisation of public spaces, and why does it matter? 

We gathered at KPMG Manchester on July 9th to answer these questions, and to launch DG01, our next data centre at move Urmtson Leisure Centre. The data centre is ready to host its first clients. 

The strategist's perspective.

Sadiq Jaffer, Senior Manager of Technology & Data from KPMG provided the backdrop to the challenge faced by data centre operators, and their clients; even when sustainable computing best practices have been implemented through the application architecture, including new coding, operational, and monitoring practices, there will still be a residual energy usage. Computing is not a zero sum game. That is, unless you reuse the heat. 

You can also watch Sadiq’s introduction on You Tube here.

The Council's perspective.

DG01 is a lighthouse, and its light will guide the strategy, planning, designing and building of digital infrastructure into broader urban ecologies across the UK. It starts in Trafford. Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council explained the critical importance of the energy transition, and the role partnerships play in accelerating better outcomes for communities and the planet. He also illuminated what is at the heart of this success story; courageous and tenacious people. 

You can also watch Cllr. Ross’s presentation on You Tube here.

The Leisure Operator's perspective.

Speaking of courageous and tenacious people, Jo Cherrett, CEO of Trafford Leisure delivered a heart-felt, powerful and provocative message; that community transformation is within our gift to give, if we are simply more discerning about where we do our cloud computing. Jo explained the real-life impact of reduced operational and carbon costs in public spaces, and the additional initiatives we will co-launch to engage local communities in swimming access, education and climate action. Jo ended with a very clear and impassioned call to action; heat this pool now. 

You can also watch Jo explain why this pool matters, on You Tube here.

The Data Centre Operator's perspective.

DG01 at move Urmston Leisure Centre is a milestone for Deep Green, and the first of several data centres we are building across the powerhouse of The North of the UK. Mark Lee, our CEO, underlines why what we do - generating decarbonised and free heat - is so important, to communities, clients and the planet. He also reveals where we are building next…

Watch Mark's presentation on You Tube here.

Every quest has a hero. Just over three years ago, Kevin Henderson Head of Assets and IT at Trafford Leisure tracked down our founders and asked if they’d consider building a data centre adjacent to move Urmston to heat it. Kevin shared our vision for heat reuse and decarbonisation, and he’s responsible for seeing the concept through to its build today. The world, and Trafford community, is far better with Kevin in it. 

You said yes Kevin. The planet says thanks. We all do.

Thank you to KPMG for hosting the event, and for all our partners who attended.