With the step-by-step replacement of the cooling equipment and gradually raising the temperature in the cold corridor at LCL Brussels-West (BW1) from March 2025, we are taking an additional step towards achieving climate-neutral data centers. Thanks to this investment, we will rely less on active cooling (compressors) and make greater use of outside air to cool the chilled water circuit (free cooling), which will boost our energy efficiency. The work will not affect the reliability of our services. We are also delighted to take advantage of this migration to future-proof with our customers and look for additional optimisation opportunities, given that the path towards sustainability is one we will navigate together.
Gradually raising the current temperature in the cold corridors to the upper limit of the ASHRAE1 standard allows us to be more energy-efficient by making greater use of free cooling. The project will be rolled out a step at a time, starting with part of our data center in Aalst (BW1), the first phase of which will be completed in the summer of 2025. Customers affected by this operation are aware of this. Not only are our new cooling units more economical and environmentally friendly – thanks to the higher temperature in the corridors, we do not have to use them as intensively either: both of these factors will significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
This project aligns with LCL's SBTi2 commitment and our aim to achieve a 42% reduction in our carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve a PUE (power usage effectiveness) below 1.3. Our customers also benefit from the increase in temperature at our data centers as we are proactively helping them to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. This serves as an excellent basis for their ESG reports, boosts their image with regard to sustainability, and provides them with a valuable asset for stakeholders and audits.
Talking of assets. We are delighted to take advantage of this migration to look at sustainable optimisation opportunities together with our customers, including, for example, the correct placement of servers taking the cold side and the warm side into consideration, sealing cable ducts with brush grommets, as well as the choice of IT infrastructure. LCL is ready to provide specialist advice to enable us to reap the benefits of the transition together. In any event, we are convinced that we must and can travel the road to greater sustainability together.
As with past and other ongoing infrastructure works, LCL guarantees faultless service without any interruptions. During the replacement of cooling systems, temporary modifications may be required, such as adapting rooms accordingly. This is done in phases in consultation with our customers and while maintaining redundancy to ensure continuity. Temperatures remain within the agreed margins both during and after the works. In addition, LCL promises to be transparent in how we communicate with regard to scheduling and adjustments. This keeps our customers fully informed.
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1 : The ASHRAE standards (established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) specify the temperatures and humidity levels that ensure optimal operation and service life of IT equipment in data centers.
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