Data Center Site Selection: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Introduction
Choosing the right location for a data center can make or break a project. A seemingly attractive site might hide costly challenges – from insufficient power to unhappy neighbors. In this blog post, we highlight five common mistakes companies make in data center site selection and offer tips on how to avoid them. By learning from these pitfalls, developers and operators can save money, reduce risk, and set their facilities up for long-term success.
1. Ignoring Power Capacity and Reliability
One of the worst mistakes is selecting a site without ensuring adequate power supply. A data center’s lifeblood is electricity, and lots of it. Don’t assume the local grid can support your project’s megawatt needs – always verify available capacity with the utility. Also, consider power reliability: does the area experience frequent outages or voltage fluctuations? Sites in regions with unstable grids could face expensive downtime or require heavy investment in backup systems. Smart developers engage with utilities early to gauge upgrade timelines (which can take years in some regions) and look for locations with multiple feeds or proximity to substations for redundancy.
2. Underestimating Network Connectivity
A location might be cheap and remote, but if it lacks robust fiber connectivity, your data center could struggle. Low latency and high bandwidth connectivity to major carrier networks and cloud on-ramps are critical for modern facilities. When evaluating a site, map out the existing fiber routes and the presence of Internet exchanges or carrier hotels nearby. The cost to bring fiber to a site can be enormous if it’s not already present. Avoid choosing a site first and then dealing with connectivity later – incorporate network availability into your initial criteria. Ideally, target locations where multiple fiber providers are already present, ensuring diversity and competitive pricing.
3. Neglecting Environmental and Climate Risks
Not all real estate is created equal – some locations carry natural risks that can threaten a data center. Building on a floodplain, in a seismic fault zone, or under a flight path could spell disaster. For example, ignoring flood risk has led to facilities suffering water damage and downtime during extreme weather. Before committing, thoroughly research the site’s climate profile: flood maps, earthquake fault lines, hurricane or tornado frequency, and even ambient temperature trends (which affect cooling efficiency). You should also consider environmental regulations – are there protected wetlands or wildlife that could hinder expansion? A prudent site selection process avoids “disaster-prone” sites or at least designs for those risks if no alternative exists.
4. Overlooking Zoning and Community Factors
A data center might meet technical needs, only to be stopped by legal and community roadblocks. Zoning and land use regulations vary widely – some areas may not permit data centers at all, or they impose strict conditions on noise, building height, or aesthetics. Failing to check zoning early can waste months on a site that can’t be developed as intended. Additionally, community opposition (“Not In My Backyard” sentiment) can derail a project if residents raise concerns about noise from generators or perceived environmental impact. Engage local authorities and communities early: verify that the site is properly zoned (or can be rezoned) and prepare to address stakeholders’ concerns. Obtaining necessary permits and buy-in can be smoother when you are transparent and responsive to local input.
5. Failing to Plan for Future Growth
Today’s ideal site might become tomorrow’s constraint if you haven’t planned ahead. A common mistake is focusing only on immediate needs without considering long-term expansion and scalability. Is there room on the site (or adjacent land) to add more capacity in a few years? Can additional power be brought in down the line, and will cooling infrastructure support higher densities? Data center demand can grow quickly – many operators end up needing to expand sooner than expected, and a site that seemed large initially might landlock your growth. To avoid this, choose a location with scalability in mind. Look for parcels with expansion acreage or modular growth options, and negotiate rights for additional power and network capacity upfront. Working with seasoned professionals, such as data center site selection advisors, can help anticipate future needs during the selection phase.
Conclusion
Selecting a site for a data center is a complex decision with high stakes. Pitfalls like insufficient power, poor connectivity, environmental hazards, unfriendly zoning, and limited growth capacity have all derailed projects in the past. By being diligent and proactive – securing reliable power and fiber, vetting environmental and community factors, and planning for future expansion – companies can avoid the most common site selection mistakes. Remember that what looks like a bargain location now could cost millions later if these factors are overlooked. Taking the time to do it right (and heeding lessons learned from others) will pay off with a smoother construction process and a more resilient, profitable data center. For more details, please visit www.imperialdatacenter.com/disclaimer.
