Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is providing part of the fundamental physical infrastructure and software solutions to STACK Infrastructure ("STACK") for its MIL01A site in Milan. In doing so, the two companies are working together towards a sustainable and digital future.
STACK is a digital infrastructure partner for innovative companies and a leading global data centre developer and operator. STACK emerged from the integration of three renowned European companies. This created a joining of forces of sustainable colocation and build-to-suit hyperscale data centres. It then quickly grew into a leading company, with the realisation of the first Rated-4/Tier-4 data centre in Milan, setting an example for sustainable digital infrastructure across the EMEA region. Today, the company offers its customers unrivalled, flexible expansion capacity and a sustainable platform for growth while working well with surrounding communities to ensure a synergistic relationship that creates value for all.
Sustainable by design
Globally, every STACK data centre is powered by 100% renewable energy with water efficiency, energy efficiency and optimal cooling systems. In Milan, STACK partnered with Schneider Electric to contribute to a sustainable and digital future by delivering hyperscale-level data centre efficiencies that support businesses' digital infrastructure requirements. STACK's MIL01A facility delivers an annual operational power usage effectiveness (PUE) of ~1.3 and water usage effectiveness (WUE) of ~0.8 - all meeting ASHRAE TC9.9 thermal guidelines.
To achieve the highest efficiency levels, STACK uses Schneider Electric's Galaxy™ VX UPS with Li-Ion batteries, which offers up to 99% energy efficiency in eConversion™ mode, alongside Schneider Electric racks, Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units, electrical distribution and switchgear.
In several EMEA sites, STACK has also implemented customised cooling technologies that allow rainwater harvesting. This reduces reliance on public water supplies and minimises consumption of precious resources.
Software is also critical to operations: at the MIL01A data centre, STACK uses Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ platform, including the Data Centre Expert, ExoStruxure IT Expert and Power Monitoring Expert modules, to gain greater insight and control over the operational environment. The Building Management System (BMS), powered by EcoStruxure, is connected to the data centre's electrical, mechanical and other critical systems and helps monitor, automate and reduce energy consumption.
Through a careful approach to design and operations, and by leveraging the power of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure for Data Centre portfolio, STACK offers unparalleled levels of sustainability and efficiency to customers in Italy and across EMEA.
ESG and local communities
STACK, like Schneider Electric, believes that growth should not come at the expense of the planet and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. The company often locates its data centres in industrial areas, sometimes by adapting old buildings or deploying prefabricated infrastructure to reuse unused land to support the wider economic and digital ecosystem.
The OnePurpose programme enables the company to achieve a sustainable future by improving ESG standards across its portfolio. The company also provides training for local employees and creates jobs through its education programmes.
"It is paramount that we harness the power of data centres and digital infrastructure for a greener, more sustainable future," said Marc Garner, SVP, Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. "By proactively partnering with like-minded organisations like STACK, where our visions for DEI and ESG really align, and investing in sustainability, we believe our industry can play a vital role in accelerating decarbonisation."
"STACK views environmental and social sustainability as a strategic imperative," said Michillay Brown, VP ESG at STACK EMEA. "We use advanced methods to source renewable energy, manage our consumption and conserve resources. Partnering with companies like Schneider Electric allows us to be an even better partner for our own customers."
