Being A Better Neighbour

The data centre industry is set to undergo a period of significant transformation as it grapples with growing expectations around social responsibility. Data centre developments have increasingly faced opposition from local communities and stakeholders due to environmental impacts such as land loss, rising electricity costs, viewshed disruption, and limited job opportunities. To manage these risks, operators and developers must prioritize social performance as a key strategy for creating shared value. This shift is driven by mounting pressure to be a good corporate neighbour from government, partners, investors, and communities themselves. Investors, for instance, are increasingly evaluating companies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, with social value being a critical component. Many investors now seek assurances that the businesses they fund are mindful of their social impact of where they do business.

While the data centre sector was highlighted as one of the UK government's priorities at the International Investment Summit earlier this year, subsequent pledges by the new administration around the nation’s approach to sustainable development make it clear that the government wants to promote green growth and social responsibility. By investing in social value initiatives, data centres can proactively address any upcoming legislative demands and develop good relations with regulators. It should also be stressed that building up goodwill with communities is also essential so that local people feel they’ve been fully consulted about having a data centre on their doorstep, and can feel and see the benefits

At AVK, we aim to lead the way towards a world where data centres contribute positively to our communities in which we operate. Strategic community investments will help build valuable partnerships and enhance the local context based on the community priorities. By providing lasting benefits through initiatives in areas like employment, education, and conservation, we aim to foster effective partnerships and create mutually beneficial relationships with local communities. 

District heating initiatives represent a valuable opportunity for data centres to enhance their role within local communities by repurposing excess heat for broader societal benefit. For example, in Saint Denis, a data centre has successfully redirected waste heat to support the Paris Olympic Aquatic Centre, ensuring optimal water temperatures. Similarly, a university in Dublin taps into excess heat from nearby data centres, providing direct benefits to students. These initiatives are part of a growing movement towards integrating data centres into socially responsible urban infrastructure, fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with surrounding communities. 

Many data centres are investing in or sponsoring local green spaces to directly benefit the surrounding communities. These green spaces provide recreational opportunities, improve the quality of life, and enhance the overall well-being of residents. By creating or supporting green spaces in urban areas where data centres are located, companies contribute to fostering stronger, healthier communities, offering valuable resources that enrich the local environment and daily life. Additionally, data centres can play a pivotal role in economic and social development, especially in underserved areas where they can stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, and knowledge sharing. They can have a transformative impact on local economies and communities by offering employment opportunities and contributing to infrastructure improvements in areas in the North of England and the Midlands. By working with schools and community organisations, data centres could help to foster local talent pipelines and spark interest in technology careers.

This link between education and social development has underpinned our commitment in establishing the AVK Academy.  Based in Lenham, Kent (UK), the Academy addresses the rising demand for skilled professionals in power generation by offering an immersive learning environment that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Equipped with advanced technology, including full-size Rolls-Royce mtu engines and control system rigs, the Academy provides trainees with real-world scenarios to develop their practical expertise. Accredited by City & Guilds, the structured programmes cater to all experience levels, from newcomers starting their careers to seasoned professionals seeking advanced skills. The Academy emphasises hands-on learning, combining classroom instruction with practical exercises. This comprehensive approach not only builds technical proficiency but also instils a deeper understanding of the evolving power generation landscape, setting trainees up for long-term success. For early-career engineers, the Level 4 programme offers foundational training, mentorship, and essential skills like safety, teamwork, and problem-solving. This initiative not only meets a critical industry need but also opens pathways to specialised careers for local residents, building a workforce that can support the UK’s data centre growth.

As data centre capacity grows rapidly and facilities become larger and more visible, host communities are raising valid concerns about land use, social impacts, and the consumption of resources such as power and water. Therefore, engaging local communities from the start is essential for data centre operators to foster trust and establish mutually beneficial relationships.  By engaging with people, data centres can align their activities with community needs and expectations in order to gain greater social acceptance 

The increasing focus on social value and "being a good corporate  neighbour" in sectors like data centres reflects broader shifts in societal expectations. This is accompanied by the understanding that data centres are a permanent presence, especially in densely populated urban areas. By engaging more deeply with communities in various ways, data centres can make lasting societal contributions while securing their long-term viability and acceptance.