Setting the benchmark for sustainable data centers in China

GLP data centers are designed, built and operated in accordance with GLP’s ESG principles. In China, GLP is one of the largest independent data center operators with assets that will deliver over 1,400 MW of IT capacity. Our full-service data center platform is led by a best-in-class team of over 700 professionals with deep domain knowledge across IT, utilities and mobile communications companies. GLP has committed to ensuring that 100% of its new data center projects in China comply with GB-A/T3 1 standards and ODCC2 2 certification.

Case Study: GLP Beijing Yizhuang Data Center (“GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC”)

GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC is a tier 3 cloud data center with a total GFA of 18,230 sqm and 17.4 MW power capacity. It is located in greater Beijing which is one of the key data center hubs in China. Sustainability was factored in all stages of the asset lifecycle from design to operations and management.

GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC is designed with reflective roofs to reflect solar radiation, reducing the heat island effect and energy required to maintain overall building temperature. The data center is designed to utilize high voltage direct current (HVDC) power supply which is more energy efficient and cost effective than traditional alternating current (AC) power distribution. It also uses a chilled water cooling system which requires less energy than conventional air-cooled chillers.

All server rooms are installed with intelligent lighting systems which are configured to prevent energy wastage and the data center is equipped with sustainable lighting fixtures which are 100% mercury free. These initiatives earned GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC a 96 out of 100 score in its Energy Star evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water usage was reduced by approximately 27% through water-saving appliances and the upgrading of faucets and pipelines, and approximately 62% of the data center’s daily operation supplies are sustainably procured.

In addition to its advanced environmental design features, GLP also enhanced the sustainability of the data center’s day to day operations. GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC is equipped with GLP DC Base, a proprietary multi-data center smart operation and management system which utilizes centralized control model, digital twin, and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor and manage performance parameters such as temperature, humidity, water and air quality to optimize energy efficiency. Through these measures, GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC was able to save approximately 260 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2022.

As recognition of its sustainable performance, GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4 Platinum certification for building operations and maintenance. This is the highest level of certification by LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and GLP Beijing Yizhuang DC is one of the few data center infrastructure projects in China to achieve this level of certification.

¹ GuoBiao (GB) standards are the highest classification of national standards with specifications issued by China for various products and services. A Tier 3 (T3) data center has multiple paths for power and cooling and systems in place to update and maintain it without taking it offline. 

² Open Data Center Committee (ODCC) is formed by key data center industry players with an aim to create an open data center platfor in China and promote the development, acceleration and standardization of the industry.