HSBC data centre first to achieve green standard in UK

HSBC has achieved the UK’s first ’Excellent’ rating for design and procurement of its new North London Data Centre under the Building Research Establishment’s BREEAM Certification.

Sustainability was a key driver in the design and equipment procurement process and has been worked into the whole life cycle of the project. The building is due for completion in the first half of 2009 and will be the first of three new HSBC data centres in the UK which will all be designed with the same sustainability principles.

Over the next few years, HSBC has committed to spending some US$40 million to improve the environmental performance of its office buildings around the world. The funds form part of a US$90 million, five year, global environmental efficiency programme to reduce the Group’s broader impact on the environment. HSBC has made a commitment that all new data centre builds within its global operations will be designed according to local environmentally accredited standards such as BREEAM and LEED.

Digital Realty Trust was appointed Developer and CHt Data Solutions - part of the Laing O’Rourke Group - as their delivery partner, for the new data centre due to go live in mid 2009. The centre is expected to achieve substantial reductions in annual energy and carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in substantial cost savings to the business.

“This rating is a triumph of collaborative working to produce a truly sustainable design. Data centres, by definition, are heavy users of energy. Through the work of HSBC and the expertise of consultants, the environmental impacts have been minimised, setting a standard for the UK and HSBC buildings globally,” says Francis Sullivan, Advisor on the Environment, HSBC.

“Designing sustainability into all our new Global Data Centres is a victory for everyone. Whilst meeting our corporate commitment to be a carbon neutral Bank, we also save operating costs. Our commitment to being ”green“ is a pride shared by our colleagues and suppliers. We have found significant support within the industry to providing next generation equipment and designs with conservation in mind.” Ken Harvey - Group Chief Information Officer, HSBC.

“HSBC’s Data centres are a significant and essential part of our portfolio supporting the Banks operations. By rolling out environmental initiatives which minimise our energy use in these large buildings, HSBC is showing its commitment to ensuring efficient use of resources. Developing our data centres to BREEAM criteria enables us to benchmark and improve our environmental performance.” Peter Trusler - Group Head of Corporate Real Estate, HSBC.