Kingfisher plc, a global leader in home improvement with renowned brands like B&Q and Screwfix, is leading the charge in sustainability and innovation across its operations. As part of its ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, Kingfisher sought a more efficient and sustainable cooling solution for its primary data centre in Fareham. The existing Denco CRAC units, while functional, were energy-hungry and costly to run, presenting a clear opportunity for improvement.
- Client
- Location B&Q Data Centre, Fareham, UK
The Challenge
Facing rising energy costs and a strong desire to lower their environmental impact, Kingfisher was determined to find a cooling solution that would not only reduce power consumption but also align with the company’s sustainability goals. The challenge was to maintain the performance and reliability of the data centre while drastically lowering energy usage.
The Solution
Kingfisher worked with evaporative cooling specialists EcoCooling and installation partners Celsius Design to implement an energy-efficient adiabatic and free cooling solution. Four Small ECP WetBoxes were installed as part of a 140kW CREC (Computer Room Evaporative Cooling) system.
The EcoCooling system uses modulating dampers to regulate the temperature of incoming air, adjusting for seasonal conditions and reducing energy consumption. In winter, the system recirculates hot air from the hot aisle of the data centre back into the system, warming the incoming air, this process eliminates the need for any additional heating. In summer, evaporative cooling is activated to reduce the temperature of the incoming airstream. EcoCooling systems are designed to utilise fresh air cooling to cool IT 100% of the year in the UK, eliminating the need for energy-hungry, refrigeration-based cooling.
Key Features of the EcoCooling System
Energy-Efficient: The system dramatically reduces energy consumption, using just 4kW of cooling power to manage a 100kW IT load — a 90% reduction in energy use compared to traditional CRAC units.
Environmental Control: Integrated sensors and thermostats maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring the data centre runs efficiently with minimal energy waste.
Centralised Control: All four systems are managed from a single EcoCooling PLC panel, which integrates with the existing fire system and CRAC units for seamless coordination and operation.
Minimal Disruption: The installation was completed during normal working hours without interrupting live data centre operations, demonstrating Kingfisher’s ability to drive innovation without sacrificing business continuity.
The Results
By adopting EcoCooling’s energy-efficient system, Kingfisher reduced cooling-related power usage by 90%, cutting operational costs and significantly lowering their carbon footprint. This move aligns perfectly with Kingfisher’s sustainability efforts and sets a benchmark for other companies in the industry seeking to innovate and reduce their environmental impact.
The Conclusion
Kingfisher’s use of EcoCooling’s fresh air technologies in their data centre is an example of their commitment to sustainability and innovation. By embracing proven, eco-friendly technologies, Kingfisher is not only reducing energy costs but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
This case study highlights how forward-thinking companies can lead the way in adopting innovative solutions that drive both environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. Kingfisher’s actions serve as an inspiring example of how businesses can balance profitability with sustainability, driving progress towards a greener, more efficient future.
“The EcoCooling installation has been highly successful. We’re now cooling nearly 100kW of rack load with just 4kW of cooling power, significantly reducing our company’s carbon footprint. The installation process was seamless, with zero disruptions to our live data centre operations.”
Neil Cotmore
Data Centre Infrastructure Manager at Kingfisher
