Arcadis innovates with sustainable solutions for data centers: engineering that transforms digital infrastructure. 

The company is embracing advanced technologies and energy efficiency to build sustainable data centers, reducing environmental impact and driving global digital transformation. 

São Paulo – As demand for digital infrastructure grows, data center energy consumption and environmental performance are receiving greater attention. With the goal of creating innovative and efficient solutions, Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable design, engineering, and consulting, is adopting technologies that combine sustainability, energy efficiency, and high performance in its projects. 

With the acceleration of digitalization, data centers can consume up to 50 times more energy than commercial buildings of the same size, accounting for up to 3% of global electricity consumption, according to industry data. Arcadis sees the transition to more sustainable digital infrastructure as both an environmental imperative and a smart business strategy. The company believes it is possible to combine high performance with technological innovation while reducing carbon emissions. 

“The growing demand for cleaner and more resilient digital infrastructure has driven a true revolution in data center design. At Arcadis, we combine our expertise in engineering and sustainability to support clients in building more efficient, future-ready solutions with a lower environmental impact. Arcadis’ approach to data centers takes a systemic, one-stop-shop view, which also addresses the challenges of electrical connections, water supply, and fiber,” says Isabel Rando, head of industry solutions at Arcadis.   

Innovative solutions for energy efficiency 

Arcadis has implemented various technologies to increase data center efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Key solutions include: 

• Energy and water optimization: Both are fundamental resources for data center operations, particularly in the pursuit of sustainability and net-zero goals. As major priorities for clients in the technology sector, the efficient use of these resources is becoming increasingly essential in data center deployment projects. 

• Smart environmental monitoring: Technologies that expand the thermal operating range of equipment without compromising durability, in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidelines. This approach helps reduce energy consumption in cooling systems. 

• Use of battery energy storage systems (BESS): Replacing diesel generators with energy storage batteries contributes to data center decarbonization while providing greater efficiency and energy autonomy. 

Independent and strategic engineering for data centers 

In addition to technological solutions, Arcadis offers specialized independent engineering and owner’s engineering services, ensuring that projects meet clients’ technical, timeline, financial, and operational objectives. Through a strategic and impartial approach, the company helps protect the owner’s interests while treating sustainability, health, and safety as non-negotiable priorities. It also supports the minimization of technical and financial risks, strategic schedule management to meet project milestones, and alignment with industry best practices and client quality standards. 

A prime example of how Arcadis applies its innovative solutions is SINES DC in Portugal. With a capacity of 1.2 GW and 100% renewable energy, SINES DC is one of the largest data center campuses in Europe. The facility uses seawater cooling systems, taking advantage of its strategic location on the Portuguese coast to optimize energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. 

“Arcadis is at the forefront of the transformation of data centers, delivering sustainable and innovative solutions to the challenges of digital transformation. With projects across various regions, such as Latin America and Europe, Arcadis leads the way in creating more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible digital infrastructure,” concludes Isabel. 

Accelerating a positive future for the planet.