Winning public acceptability for data centre development
Terry O’Neill
BY TERRY O’NEILL
“Public perception is increasingly against the construction and operation of data centres in the UK and elsewhere”.
Public perception is increasingly against the construction and operation of data centres in the UK and elsewhere.
In the UK local communities, stakeholders and planning authorities are raising objections to the proposed deployment of data centre facilities.
Particular issues are these:
· Limited engagement as part of the planning process, often the purpose of the planning application is not made clear until planning consent is given
· Proximity to existing housing and neighbourhoods, with limited opportunities to minimise visual impact
· A perception that the local community will derive no benefit from the deployment of a data centre nearby
· Ecological impacts on local flora and fauna, not to mention Biodiversity Net Gain
· Disruption during construction, with little community engagement
· Drain on power networks and water supply once the data centre is operational which could affect local communities and businesses
· Environmental concerns regarding generated carbon, heat plumes and low-pitched noise during operation
· Poor local employment opportunities as most data centres employ few individuals and these are likely to be brought in rather than hired locally.
· Supply chain opportunities locally can be restricted due to global procurement policies, thereby disenfranchising local suppliers
In summary – little benefit is evident to affected communities, with almost no ‘upside’ accruing to local residents, businesses or stakeholders. Hence the increased levels of antipathy being experienced.
“…little benefit is evident to affected communities, with almost no ‘upside’ accruing to local residents, businesses or stakeholders. Hence the increased levels of antipathy being experienced.”
The pressure for more resilient data and communications networks will only increase.
So – as an industry how can we ‘square this circle’?
In truth – the answer is quite straightforward – Engagement.
It is always tempting to ‘hurry’ the initial stage of planning for the deployment of major infrastructure, and data centres have been no exception to this.
The data centre industry has a unique opportunity – now – to create a reset to this approach.
I am working with several owners and operators to create earlier engagement with those likely to be affected by the deployment of a new data centre. This is not easy, but regaining the trust of communities and stakeholders is vital to the continued growth of this industry.
The principles of engagement must resolve satisfactorily all three ‘streams’:
· Social
· Environmental
· Economic
The format and detail of each engagement for each potential location will differ but the fundamental principles apply in all cases, namely:
· Transparency of the proposed plans and how to mitigate their impacts
· Receptiveness to stakeholder concerns where practicable
· Ongoing dialogue to establish long-term relationships
All of this allows owners and operators to make their case in a positive and non-confrontational manner, and also to dispel some of the myths that have grown up in this space.
I know organisations such as West London Business are creating Data Centre ‘user’ forums to allow owners and operators to share best practice in this space.
This is not necessarily a cheap approach, but one that can demonstrably overcome concerns and objections. And in the medium term – probably more cost-effective and sustainable.
Why don’t you give it a go?
Terry O’Neill is an independent Infrastructure and Regeneration Consultant.