Sustainable Data Centers: Timber Construction Instead of Concrete Deserts

Sustainable - from construction to equipment

Compact, powerful, future-proof 

By using YEXIO data centers, Yorizon is driving the digital future forward – climate-friendly and high-performance. Wood replaces concrete, 100% green electricity powers the hardware, and compact 2 - 4 MW sites are moving from urban to rural areas. That is how efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.

Next-generation YEXIO data centers from HOCHTIEF are built according to a clear principle: as little land sealing as possible, and more space for nature.  

Our goal is to significantly reduce land consumption compared with common standards. That is why we rely on YEXIO data centers, which use steel and concrete almost exclusively in the foundation, while the main part of the data center is built in sustainable timber construction.  

This is made possible by Thomas-Krenn's slimline servers, which reduce the total weight and thus allow timber structures without compromising performance or stability. The highly insulated construction reduces energy losses and keeps heating and cooling costs low over the long term.

That is not all, because new trees are also planted that bind CO2 in the long term and give our site a green appearance. Admittedly: this trick was not invented recently. Nevertheless, it creates a place where growing IT infrastructures are not in conflict with the environment.

Efficiency redefined: Compact data centers, big impact 

Thanks to their compact power requirements of 2 MW and 4 MW, YEXIO data centers do not have to be located in urban conurbations. This opens up new site options that enable better use of resources and infrastructure – in rural areas and, when needed, where secure data hubs are required.

Using simulation tools, we continuously analyze all processes – from cooling and power consumption to material usage. Our goal: a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.1, so as to conserve not only costs but also valuable resources in the long term. 

Cool heads, warm hearts: Efficient cooling and waste heat utilization

Cooling is unavoidable – but we turn the tables. Instead of simply letting energy dissipate, we put it to use. Through closed water circuits, we reduce the need for fresh water and significantly lower electricity consumption for fans and pumps. 

In the process, we use direct water cooling from Thomas-Krenn, which primarily relies on direct liquid cooling of individual server components. With specially developed heat sinks, waste heat is dissipated at over 60 degrees Celsius and put to meaningful use – similar to a large instantaneous water heater, but much more efficient than conventional air cooling. 

Our goal is up to 40% less cooling energy, and the resulting waste heat is fed directly into local heating networks. This creates win-win situations: municipalities can efficiently heat swimming pools or sports halls, for example, while we further reduce our ecological footprint. 

This circular approach strengthens regional value creation and shows that digital infrastructure and the common good can go hand in hand. The effects are not only measurable, but above all tangible – fewer emissions, lower costs and added value for the people in the region.

Green at full power: 100% green electricity – even in emergencies 

To keep CO2 emissions as low as possible from the outset, we consistently rely on 100% renewable energy with YEXIO data centers. And even for unexpected situations, we think ahead and are examining green alternatives to the diesel generator. 

The result: a system that is not only sustainable under ideal conditions, but also combines ecology and stability in exceptional situations. 

Hardware with brains: Resource-efficient and modular 

“As little as possible, as much as necessary” – according to this principle, we configure our hardware from Thomas-Krenn. Thanks to water cooling, the servers can be packed more densely, which reduces the need for plastics and rare metals. Thanks to the modular design, the hardware can also be quickly scaled up or down when needed, without having to constantly purchase new parts. 

The result: less material use and lower cooling requirements, since fewer components produce less heat. Decommissioned components are fed back into the cycle by recycling or refurbishing them. This allows us to offer high-performance, sustainable infrastructure that conserves resources and leaves room for growth. 

Open, honest, sustainable: added value for everyone 

For us, the topic of sustainability does not end at the property line. Forward-looking IT control helps relieve pressure on the regional energy supply – from businesses to public institutions to municipal utilities. 

And because we take transparency seriously, we disclose our progress: ESG-compliant reports, ISO 50001 certification for energy management, and regular status updates make it clear where we stand and where we can improve further.  

This gives our customers the certainty that our infrastructure is not only GDPR-compliant, but also makes a real contribution to a more sustainable future.