Form8tion x Evercam: Shaping Sustainable Data Center Partnership

In a world where information demands continue to increase, the need for data centers has surged. Consequently, the demand for dedicated campus facilities to house this essential data continues to witness substantial growth. This expansion is leading to a dual effect of both consolidating existing market players and ushering in new competitors.

Among these fresh entrants are those embarking on ambitious projects that require substantial capital investments, often exceeding billions of Euros. Notably, these deployments are occurring in markets that were previously unfamiliar with data centers or, to date, seen limited investment.

Form8tion Data Centers

Recognizing the immense potential in the data center domain, Thor Equities, a prominent player in the real estate industry, has taken a significant step by launching its data center platform, Form8tion Data Centers. Form8tion is more than just a data center developer; it’s a blend of seasoned expertise and innovation.

They specialize in crafting and managing data centers for both hyperscale and enterprise clients, offering flexible, powered campuses that can be tailored to specific designs. With a foundation built on industry knowledge and private investment, Form8tion delivers bespoke, sustainable data center solutions that prioritize client-specific needs, steering away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach.

In line with its global vision, Form8tion has set its sights on expanding its footprint across Europe and will establish state-of-the-art data centres in other Tier 2 European markets, further solidifying its market position. 

Madrid One

Form8tion’s ‘Madrid One’ campus, located in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, is their inaugural project. A closer look at the architectural renderings of this facility reveals five independent data centers spread across a 70-acre landscape.

Spearheading this venture are industry veterans – Simon Burrage and Roy Gibbens. Their collective expertise ensures that Madrid One is not just about scale but also about integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

Madrid One at a Glance:

Sustainability Practice 

Madrid One’s commitment to sustainability is not just a mere statement but a foundational principle that guides every decision, from the initial planning stages to the final execution. As the project progresses, it aims to stand as a testament to what is achievable when sustainability is placed at the forefront of design and execution. Here’s a detailed look at the sustainable practices being integrated into the project by both Forma8tion and Evercam:

1. Materials:
   1. Low-Carbon Supply Chain: Material used in the construction of Madrid One is assessed for its environmental impact. In an initiative to reduce waste and promote recycling, Madrid One has incorporated demolition rubble from the old Coca Cola factory that previously occupied the site, into the new construction.
   2. Carbon-Negative Options: Clients are provided with options for materials that actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce, further enhancing the facility’s sustainability credentials.
2. Water Conservation:
   1. Low-Water Cooling Solutions: Traditional cooling methods in data centers are notoriously water-intensive. Madrid One is pioneering the use of innovative cooling solutions that drastically reduce water consumption.
   2. Rainwater Harvesting: By capturing and storing rainwater, Madrid One aims to further reduce its reliance on municipal water supplies, ensuring that the facility has a minimal impact on local water resources.
3. Power:
   1. Carbon-Neutral Power: The goal is to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint for the facility’s power consumption. This involves a combination of sourcing renewable energy and implementing energy-saving measures on-site.
4. Efficiency:
   1. Equipment Selection: Every piece of machinery and equipment at Madrid One is chosen based on its energy efficiency. This not only reduces the facility’s carbon footprint but also translates to significant operational cost savings in the long run.
   2. Optimized Operations: Beyond equipment, the entire operational process is streamlined to ensure maximum efficiency, minimizing waste and redundancy.
5. Zero Diesel Initiative:
   1. Sustainably Certified HVO: Where traditional fuels are necessary, Madrid One commits to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a more sustainable alternative to conventional diesel.

Evercam’s Contribution to Sustainability:

1. Solar-Powered Cameras: The integration of solar-powered cameras by Evercam ensures a reduced carbon footprint on-site. These cameras eliminate the need for cable connections or grid reliance.

2. Remote Monitoring: The 24/7 live view feature allows stakeholders to monitor the project from anywhere, reducing the need for frequent site visits, and thereby cutting down on commute emissions and fuel consumption.
3. AI-Powered Vehicle Monitoring: Evercam’s AI capabilities enable the cameras to monitor the number of vehicles entering and exiting the site. This real-time tracking ensures that carbon footprint regulations are consistently met. It also helps to prevent material loss and damage as incoming deliveries can be easily tracked.

Leveraging Evercam Reality Capture for Project Excellence

As the Madrid One data center construction progresses, the integration of Evercam’s Reality Capture promises to redefine how stakeholders visualise and manage the project’s progress.

Rather than traditional sporadic site visits or intermittent updates, the use of Evercam will grant stakeholders continuous access to a live feed of the construction site, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By continuously monitoring the site, the team will be poised to gauge the project’s status instantly, keep tabs on variables like weather implications, and ensure that deliveries are timely and as per the construction schedule.

Evercam’s Reality Capture will allow for seamless interconnectedness among all involved parties. The construction landscape of Madrid One is undeniably intricate, making harmonised coordination paramount. By offering shared camera access, a transparent environment will be cultivated where every stakeholder, be it an end user , an investor, or a colleague, remains constantly updated and aligned.

And with the anticipated integration of the Snapmail feature, they plan to automate and periodically send snapshots of the construction site, ensuring consistent communication and that no detail is overlooked.

Two anticipated standout features of Evercam’s integration are the Gate Report and BIM Compare. The Gate Report, once in action, will meticulously track material logistics, providing insights pivotal for cost management and shaping accurate projections for future stages of the project.

On the other hand, the BIM Compare function will be crucial in ensuring the constructed reality matches the project blueprint. By allowing a real-time comparison between the ongoing construction and the Building Information Modeling (BIM) model, they aim to ensure that the data center’s construction remains consistently in line with the original design, upholding the highest quality standards.

The Madrid One project, with its scale, vision, and integration of advanced solutions including Evercam Reality Capture, is set to be a benchmark in the data center industry. Form8tion and Evercam have recognized the synergies in their respective visions and are committed to a long-term partnership. The collaboration is not just about the present but is rooted in a shared vision for the future of the data center industry.

By combining Form8tion’s expertise in data center development and Evercam’s innovative reality capture solutions, they aim to redefine industry standards and set new benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and technological integration. This partnership is a testament to their shared belief in continuous innovation and their commitment to delivering unparalleled value to their clients and stakeholders.