Covilhã Data Center a Model for Green Architecture

In the picturesque city of Covilhã, Portugal, the Covilhã Data Center, designed by renowned architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, exemplifies sustainable architecture in an industrial context. This state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainability through advanced building materials and technologies. As a critical component of Altice Portugal's data network, the center sets new standards in green construction while maintaining high performance and reliability. The building maximizes natural light, incorporates green spaces, and uses innovative products, demonstrating how large-scale infrastructure can harmonize with nature.

The Covilhã Data Center plays a crucial role in Altice Portugal's network, providing reliable infrastructure for digital services. Certified as a Tier III data center, it ensures high availability and redundancy, crucial for uninterrupted operations. By integrating sustainable design principles and advanced technologies, the center not only meets but exceeds modern performance demands while reducing its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Building Materials and Principles

The Data Center in Covilhã stands out for its commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative technologies.

Local Materials Harmonize with the Natural Landscape

The center integrates seamlessly with the natural environment by using local materials such as slate from Cova da Beira, which ensures aesthetic harmony with the landscape, supports local industries, and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.

Using locally sourced slate significantly reduces transportation emissions and lowers the construction's carbon footprint. This practice supports regional economies and promotes the use of indigenous resources. 

Tapping into Renewable Energy 

Photovoltaic Systems

These systems harness solar energy to power the facility, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Air-Free Cooling Technology

This innovative technology helps maintain optimal temperatures within the data center while minimizing energy consumption. The use of such advanced cooling methods contributes to the facility's impressive Energy Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25, indicating high energy efficiency and operational sustainability. 

Embracing Biophilic Materials 

The use of biophilic design principles supports the project's integration into the natural environment. By using materials that promote a harmonious relationship with nature, the facility exemplifies how modern architecture can integrate natural elements to create healthier and more sustainable buildings.

Diathonite Insulating Plaster

Diathonite is a revolutionary thermal insulating plaster made from natural materials, including cork, clay, and diatomaceous earth. This combination results in a lightweight, highly efficient insulation material ideal for application to  residential, commercial and industrial buildings.  

Benefits: The natural composition of Diathonite Evolution provides excellent thermal insulation, breathability, and sustainability. It improves the energy efficiency of the building's envelope, helping to maintain a stable internal climate while reducing energy consumption. 

Application: This plaster is used extensively throughout the Data Center to enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption. By integrating Diathonite Evolution, the building achieves superior thermal performance and contributes to overall sustainability, reflecting the architect's commitment to eco-friendly design.

Decork Thermal Cork Paint

Decork Facade is a decorative cork-based coating that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal formulated with renewable resources.

Benefits: This innovative coating offers thermal insulation, sound absorption, and a unique aesthetic. Its properties make it both a practical and visually appealing choice, enhancing the building's energy efficiency and acoustic comfort. 

Application: Applied to the façade, Decork Façade improves the Data Center’s sustainability by providing additional insulation and reducing noise pollution. The material also contributes to the building’s distinctive look, aligning with João Luís Carrilho da Graça's vision of integrating natural elements into architectural design.

The Impact of Sustainable Design

The Covilhã Data Center demonstrates how sustainable choices create value across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

• Economic Benefits: Energy-efficient materials like Diathonite Evolution and Decork Facade reduce heating and cooling demands, lowering operational costs. Their durability also cuts down on maintenance and replacement expenses, delivering long-term savings.

• Social Benefits: By sourcing slate from Cova da Beira and cork from Portugal, the project supports local industries and provides stable employment for regional workers, including cork harvesters among the highest-paid agricultural laborers.

• Environmental Benefits: Renewable energy systems, advanced cooling technology, and low-impact materials significantly reduce carbon emissions. The integration of green spaces and natural materials helps preserve biodiversity and harmonize the site with its surrounding landscape.

The Future Sustainable Practices in Large Scale Projects

The Covilhã Data Center sets a new standard for sustainability in the tech industry, offering valuable insights for future projects. 

Precedent for Future Projects

The design and execution of the Covilhã Data Center serve as a model for other large-scale infrastructure projects, providing a model for the successful integration of sustainable practices and the feasibility and benefits of eco-friendly architecture.

Emerging Technologies in Sustainable Building

The project embraces the potential of emerging technologies, such as advanced cooling systems and innovative insulation materials. These technologies not only enhance energy efficiency but also promote sustainability on a larger scale.

Importance of Sustainability in Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the importance of sustainability in infrastructure projects becomes more pronounced. The Covilhã Data Center exemplifies how sustainable practices can be effectively integrated into large-scale projects to achieve both environmental and economic benefits. 

Lessons Learned

The Covilhã Data Center stands as a benchmark for sustainable industrial architecture. By combining advanced materials, renewable energy, and thoughtful design, it proves that high-performance infrastructure can also respect the environment. For architects, developers, and contractors, the project offers a clear lesson: with the right materials and strategies, it’s possible to achieve resilience, efficiency, and beauty on a large scale.

Consider incorporating sustainable options in your own projects to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.