The data centre sector is expanding in the UK at an unprecedented rate, with the potential to contribute an additional £44 billion to the UK economy by 2035 (techUK).
But this rapid growth comes with increasing sustainability challenges. Data centres are power hungry facilities, and their environmental impact is under heightened scrutiny as the government looks to meet its net-zero targets. At the same time, the security and resilience of data centres is of paramount importance; the facilities are now designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). It’s imperative for data centre operators to adopt greener technologies and materials while also protecting the resilience of these facilities.
One effective way to enhance data centre sustainability is by using Mineral Insulated Copper-Clad (MICC) cables (also known as pyro cables). These are true fire survival cables that offer significant environmental advantages over standard, plastic-insulated cables.
Why Fire-survival Cables are Essential for Data Centres
Reliable fire survival cables ensure the continuous operation of a data centre’s critical safety systems in the event of a fire. These include fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire suppression mechanisms, backup power, and essential communication networks.
MICC fire survival cables act like the ‘lifeline’ of a building - they help prevent electrical failures in these critical systems and can ultimately help to save lives. MICC cables also significantly enhance operational resilience by minimising the risk of partial or complete shutdowns.
How MICC Cables Support More Sustainable Data Centres
MICC cables offer multiple environmental benefits in comparison to conventional “soft skin” polymer-based cables:
- Durable and long-lived
MICC cables are built to last. Their copper sheath and mineral insulation make them significantly more durable than plastic-insulated cables, which degrade over time and require frequent replacement. This extended lifespan reduces material turnover, minimising waste and lowering the overall carbon footprint of data centres.
- Made from 100% recyclable materials
Unlike soft-skin, plastic-insulated cables, which contribute to landfill waste, MICC cables are made entirely from the widely recyclable materials copper and magnesium oxide. This supports a circular economy, helping data centres reduce resource consumption and minimise their environmental impact.
- Zero toxic smoke or gas emissions when exposed to heat
Soft skin cables contain organic materials that can release toxic fumes when exposed to extreme heat or fire. In contrast, MICC cables are completely inorganic, meaning they do not emit harmful smoke or gases. This enhances fire safety and helps maintain air quality in the event of a fire creating a safer working environment for data centre personnel.
- Enhanced fire safety and reduced environmental impact
MICC cables are engineered for true fire survival, capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 950°C for over three hours. Their ability to keep critical systems operational during a fire significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic failures. Most importantly, this helps to protect people’s lives during a fire event. It also reduces the environmental and financial costs associated with fire damage and reconstruction.
Meeting Sustainability Standards and Future-proofing Data Centres
Knight Frank’s latest Data Centres Global Forecast Report underlines the data centre industry must ‘balance the pursuit of innovation with the imperatives of sustainability and security’.
The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda is shaping the future of data centre expansion. Regulatory frameworks are enforcing stricter environmental and cybersecurity standards, making it essential for operators to integrate materials that provide both resilience and sustainability.
MICC cables not only meet but exceed stringent environmental and safety regulations, providing data centres with a future-proof infrastructure solution that supports long-term sustainability commitments.
MICC Cables: A Safer, More Sustainable Choice
As demand for data storage and processing power continues to grow, data centre operators need to prioritise sustainable infrastructure that also ensures their safety and resilience. MICC cables offer a durable, recyclable, and non-toxic alternative to conventional soft-skin cabling, helping to improve fire safety, and support a range of broader sustainability goals. · You can explore more about Wrexham Mineral Cables MICC cables here.