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A data center is the foundation of digital infrastructure

A data center refers to server rooms and facilities of various sizes that contain all the digital infrastructure required by modern society. Data centers store and manage critical data for individuals, companies, municipalities, and cities in a secure manner.

Data center expertise as a strategic competitive advantage

Finland’s attractiveness for data center investments is not based solely on its northern location. The strategic advantage of the Nordic countries lies in their high-level data center expertise. Sweco’s multinational expert team brings extensive reference experience in data center projects to local delivery..

Our data center specialists ensure that projects progress smoothly from site assessments to commissioning without delays.

Why choose Sweco as your data center partner?

Sweco’s more than 200 data center experts provide comprehensive expertise for projects across the Nordics and Northern Europe. We understand local legislation and requirements in different target countries, supporting the holistic execution of increasingly demanding data center projects.

Data center design  – Sweco has experience from over 100 data center projects, ranging from hundreds of kilowatts to gigawatts. Our engineers ensure a controlled permitting process, uninterrupted power supply, and energy-efficient cooling with heat recovery.

Data center project management – Data center project timelines are critical, requiring steady control over schedules and costs. Sweco’s experts in project management, construction management, and supervision ensure projects are completed in line with client objectives.

Sustainability in data center investments – Our data center clients are market leaders, which means projects must meet strict sustainability targets alongside performance requirements. Our sustainability consultants help implement ambitious ESG strategies and meet carbon footprint targets.

Data center security – Data centers are a vital part of societal resilience and critical infrastructure. Sweco’s experts in physical, technical, and cybersecurity ensure comprehensive protection, from IT systems to surveillance.

Sweco’s experts in data centers

Data center architectural and lead design

Our lead designers ensure efficient collaboration across the entire design team and a successful end result, including optimal location and layout, project localization, and energy-efficient solutions. Our architects also support zoning processes, architectural design, and interior design of data center facilities.

Data center building services engineering (HVAC, electrical, and automation)

Our HVAC, electrical, and building automation designers develop energy-efficient and reliable building systems, including free cooling and water cooling solutions, as well as waste heat recovery. Flexibility allows for the expansion of power distribution and cooling solutions as the data center grows.

Data center concept design

Flexible and scalable general, project, and concept designs support the phased implementation and long lifecycle of a data center. Our experts help define realistic commercial and operational goals as well as a business strategy for the project. Both the regulatory environment and local stakeholders are taken into account.

Data center due diligence and EIA process

We help you navigate the national regulatory and permitting environment in a controlled and proactive manner. We carry out due diligence studies, procurement and permitting strategies, and environmental impact assessments (EIA). Data center projects are carefully prepared, from site studies to risk analyses.

Data center modeling services

Digital modeling and simulation tools, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), are used to verify and validate data center performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Modeling is utilized, for example, in assessing energy and cooling requirements. Simulations can also support decision-making in alternative comparisons.

Data center project management, construction management, and supervision

Our project managers ensure that the data center project is delivered as a cohesive whole in line with the client’s objectives and within the agreed schedule. Our data center–specialized project management and construction management organization is responsible for project delivery, from procurement and permitting strategies to design management, cost management, and commissioning.

Data center security consulting

A comprehensive approach to data center security design is one of Sweco’s strengths. We provide experts for consulting on IT systems, building services, and security automation, improving lifecycle risk management and operational reliability. Technical, physical, and cybersecurity aspects are all considered.

Data center structural engineering

Our structural engineers design adaptable structures for new buildings as well as conversions of existing industrial and server spaces into data centers. Data centers can be implemented cost-effectively using various materials and structural solutions, from concrete and steel to timber. We also provide advanced structural and fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations.

Data center sustainability consulting

Our sustainability consultants support carbon and ESG management as well as sustainability communications throughout all project phases. We help assess lifecycle impacts and nature-related risks as part of sustainability reporting. We also calculate carbon emissions, optimize energy efficiency, and provide guidance on environmental certifications.

Infrastructure design supporting data centers

Infrastructure provides a solid foundation for a data center. We assist in site selection, geotechnical investigations, and transport/access planning. Infrastructure design also considers location-related risks and opportunities, such as energy availability, stormwater management, and existing district heating networks. We also evaluate future needs.

 

Data Center Commissioning

Data center commissioning is one of the most critical phases of a project—often the most important one. During this phase, it is verified that all systems operate as designed, integrate seamlessly, and meet both technical and business requirements.

Commissioning is not merely end-stage testing; it is a systematic process that begins already during the design phase and continues throughout construction, installations, and start-up. The objective is to minimize risks, ensure operational reliability, and achieve the required performance and availability targets from day one.

What does commissioning include?

  1. Phased inspection and testing of systems
  2. Verification of electrical and cooling system performance under load conditions
  3. Integrated Systems Testing (IST)
  4. Documentation and approval processes
  5. Required support and guidance for operations and maintenance personnel

Sweco’s role

Sweco supports the commissioning process as part of a comprehensive data center design approach. Our resources at this stage are targeted and project-specific, while ensuring that commissioning is executed in a controlled and high-quality manner.

Why is commissioning crucial?

A data center is critical infrastructure where the cost of failures can be significant. Carefully executed commissioning:

  1. reduces the risk of downtime
  2. ensures energy efficiency and performance
  3. supports long-term operational reliability
  4. builds confidence in the functionality of the investment

Sweco’s goal is to ensure that the data center operates as intended from day one—safely, efficiently, and reliably

Are you looking for a trusted partner for data center design?

Contact us, and we will help ensure that your data center’s design and delivery progress smoothly and in line with your objectives. Together, we can build the data center solutions of the future.

You can contact our specialist, Data Center Business Lead Antti-Jussi Laine, who is more than happy to tell more and lead you forward.
Kasvokuva Antti-Jussi Laineesta

Antti-Jussi Laine

Data Centre Business Lead

Contact us

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