Comprehensive EHS support to global data centre client

Since 2015, this global data centre client has expanded into new markets, and Ramboll has been right by their side providing environmental, health and safety (EHS) advisory services alongside the in-house team. We have advised on site development risks during early stages of site selection due diligence, evaluating potential site contamination concerns, EHS permitting strategies, and impacts related to air emissions, noise, natural resources, cultural/archaeological resources and physical climate risk. Ramboll collaborates closely with the client’s corporate EHS personnel and local design and construction teams to navigate complex and evolving regulatory requirements.

Once new data centres are constructed and operational, Ramboll supports a wide range of site-specific environmental permitting and regulatory compliance actions, such as preparing air emissions reports, tank registrations, spill plans, and hazardous materials reports. For operational data centres, Ramboll conducts baseline assessments of compliance status and works with local site managers to develop standardised procedures to maintain ongoing obligations.

Success through collaboration

“Our partnership with this client exemplifies our collaborative approach in the data centre industry. Working as an extension of the client’s EHS team, we share a common vision and goals, enabling us to grow together while adapting to the industry’s dynamic demands. It has been a pleasure working on a diverse range of projects and leveraging the expertise of Ramboll colleagues internationally and across various disciplines, and we look forward to our continued partnership in new markets and disciplines,” says Jonathan Dolph, Ramboll client manager.

Ramboll’s advisors excel in transforming challenges into opportunities. For instance, a project faced sensitive timeline requirements due to a protected species habitat identified in a planned development area. This matter threatened the project’s timeline and feasibility. Our close partnership with the client allowed streamlined communication and strategic planning, rapidly developing a solution protective of both the habitat and the client’s contractual obligations.

Driving sustainability

In the UK, Ramboll helped the client achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG) score of 50% against a minimum target of 10% at a new data centre site. This enhances biodiversity significantly, ensuring future generations benefit. Ecological surveys identified bat species interacting with the site, leading Ramboll to integrate new structures into the data centre design for suitable dwellings for bats, agreed upon with regulators.