The Digital Transformation of Building Services in Data Centres and Life Sciences

Digital tools have come a long way in recent years - but for those of us working on complex projects like data centres or life sciences facilities, they’ve become more than just helpful. They’re essential. We’re using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and building performance modelling to deliver better outcomes on every project: sharper coordination, more efficient designs, and a clearer path to long-term sustainability.

This month, we’re taking a closer look at how these tools are shaping the future of building services design.

The Crucial Role of Digital Transformation in Building Services

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has heralded a new era for facilities that demand precise environmental control, sophisticated energy management, and proactive maintenance strategies.

With the strategic implementation of BIM and building performance modelling, we provide real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and data driven insights, ensuring the integrity of critical operations while optimising performance.

1. Building Information Modelling (BIM): Streamlining Design and Construction

BIM has transformed the building services sector by allowing the creation of detailed 3D models that simulate the entire lifecycle of a facility. This is particularly crucial in environments like data centres and life sciences, where reliability and precision are paramount. The benefits of BIM include:

• Enhanced Collaboration: BIM fosters an integrated platform for architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, enhancing design quality, reducing errors, and accelerating project timelines.
• Integration of Sustainability: BIM models provide detailed insights into materials, energy use, and environmental impacts, helping facilities meet sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM.
• Cost Efficiency: By predicting potential issues before they occur, BIM minimises rework and waste, streamlining construction and saving costs.

 2. Building Performance Modelling: Maximising Efficiency and Compliance

Building performance modelling goes hand in hand with BIM to enhance the overall functionality and compliance of facilities:

• Optimised Energy Models: Building performance modelling creates simulations that predict how building systems consume energy, helping to design more efficient and cost-effective facilities.
• Compliance with Regulations: This modelling is essential for complying with the EU's stringent energy and building standards, ensuring that new constructions and renovations meet modern efficiency requirements.
• Sustainable Operations: Through accurate modelling of a building's performance, we can significantly improve its sustainability profile, making it more attractive to stakeholders and investors focused on green credentials.

3. Thought Leadership and Competitive Advantage

The strategic use of these advanced digital tools not only boosts sustainability and operational efficiency but also provides a substantial competitive advantage:

• Future-Proofing Investments: Facilities designed with these tools are better equipped to adapt to future technological and regulatory changes.
• Operational Cost Savings: Improved energy management and reduced maintenance costs lead to significant long-term savings.
• Increased Asset Value: Maintaining high operational standards through advanced digital technologies typically leads to higher occupancy rates and increased asset value.

Sample Project 1: Dublin Eastpoint R&D Data Centre

‍Project Status: Under construction

‍Scope of works: In order to move block C to block B and support the local business the creation of a data hall (referred to as a lab on this project) was required. Scope included but was not limited to the below specifications:

➤ Power load analysis of the existing lab in Block C to right size design capacity

➤ 425 kW IT & Network load, single path design with N+1 redundancy on component level to allow maintenance with no need for outages

➤ 60 standard (1200mm deep, 600mm wide, 42U high, up to 1200 kg) racks

➤ up to 5 network racks (1000mm deep, 800mm wide, 48U high, up to 500 kg)

➤ Dedicated 24x7 cooling with free-cooling (economizer)

➤ Hot-cold aisle alignment with SubZero hot aisle containment (supporting Clientstandard and other vendor racks) and in-row cooling

➤ New electrical room fed from the existing substation

➤ 40 kW UPS with 10 minutes autonomy

➤ Modify building power and cooling infrastructure to allow running two halves of the building independently

➤ No raised floor, overhead power (via busway) & data distribution

➤ BMS, temperature monitoring, power monitoring reusing the existing DCIM & BTN infrastructure from Block C

➤ New racks to be provided to existing space in Block C along with resources for equipment move (re-racking) to enable quick-forklift move to the new space once completed

➤ Areas included in the lab design:

• Lab with 60+ Client standard racks
• Network area in the lab and/or dedicated space
• Storage, staging, and shipping & receiving dedicated to lab with direct access to outside loading area
• Electrical room with UPS
• Cooling infrastructure on the roof

➤ Design has to respect the new Client MEP Master Standard

The scope of works also included alterations to the office area, creating two large new meeting rooms and smaller workplaces as highlighted on the drawing below.

Sample Project 2: Injection Moulding Facility, Dublin 15

Project Status

• Stage 1: Complete
• Stage 2:Fitout ongoing

Scope of works

• Construction of a 14,230 sq. m. (GFA) medical devices manufacturing facility with associated ancillary offices and warehousing
• 120 no. surface car parking spaces (incl. 7 no. disabled parking spaces)
• Construction of ancillary buildings and structures: 2 no. single storey security huts, an ESB substation and switch room building, 4 no. condenser unit enclosures, a sprinkler water storage tank and pump house building and 6 no. loading docks

Conclusion

Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword - it’s changing how we design, coordinate, and operate complex facilities. From data centres to life sciences, the industry is shifting fast, and staying ahead means knowing which tools to trust and how to use them. The goal isn’t just innovation for its own sake, but delivering smarter, more efficient buildings that perform over the long term.

We’ll be sharing more about how digital technologies are shaping the future of building services - and what that means for consultants, developers, and design teams on the ground.

To learn more click here: https://www.metec.ie/contact‍