#Data Center #atNorth #Iceland #ICE03 #Akureyri

atNorth's ICE03 Data Center: A Model for Sustainable Innovation

In a landmark achievement, atNorth, a leading provider of data center services in the Nordic region, garnered the prestigious Environmental Impact Award at the Data Center Dynamics Awards. This recognition underscores the company's relentless commitment to sustainability and innovative design in its expanding ICE03 data center located in Akureyri, Iceland.

The ICE03 data center stands out not only for its energy efficiency but also for its harmonious integration with the local environment and community. AtNorth has meticulously crafted the facility's design to utilize Iceland's naturally cool climate, maximizing the benefits of renewable energy sources. This operational model has enabled the implementation of Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), significantly enhancing energy efficiency, compared to traditional cooling methods.

The construction of ICE03 incorporated sustainable materials such as laminated wood products, specifically Glulam, serving as an alternative to steel beams, and locally-sourced Icelandic rock wool for insulation. These choices reflect atNorth's commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint while ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the data center.

Furthermore, ICE03 actively incorporates heat reuse technology. The facility is not just a hub for data processing; it is also a pivotal player in community sustainability efforts. AtNorth has formed a strategic alliance with the local municipality to direct waste heat from its operations into community projects in Akureyri, including a greenhouse that serves as an educational platform for local schoolchildren. This initiative not only fosters ecological awareness but also promotes the cultivation of locally-sourced vegetables, significantly contributing to the region's economy while lowering its carbon emissions.

With a remarkable Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of less than 1.2, ICE03 operates with superior efficiency compared to the global average of 1.56. This means that atNorth can efficiently execute high-performance IT workloads while being environmentally conscious.

The positive impact of ICE03 extends beyond energy savings and ecological stewardship. The data center's development has contributed significantly to the local labor market, with over 90% of its workforce sourced from the Akureyri area. This commitment to local hiring enriches the community while supporting economic stability.

AtNorth is dedicated to fostering a sense of corporate responsibility and citizenship within its operational practices. Contributions to local education and community projects are central to its mission. The company has donated a substantial amount of mechatronics equipment to the Vocational College of Akureyri, facilitating training programs focused on preparing locals for careers in data center operations. Moreover, atNorth has shown its support for local sporting events and community safety initiatives, exemplifying its engagement with and support of the community.

In addition to enhancing the local economy, ICE03's presence in Akureyri has led to the establishment of a new telecommunications point of presence (POP) by Farice, a telecommunications company. This strategic point will connect Iceland with mainland Europe, thereby bolstering data transmission capabilities and ensuring greater reliability for local telecommunications services.

Mayor Ásthildur Sturludóttir has highlighted the economic benefits tied to atNorth's investment in Akureyri, looking forward to a projected total investment of approximately 200 million Euros over time. This makes the ICE03 expansion a prototype for future data center projects, emphasizing sustainability and community integration.

Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, encapsulated the company's vision saying, "We are delighted to receive recognition for our ICE03 data center’s positive environmental impact. In the realm of digital infrastructure, there is an urgent necessity for a transformative approach that integrates community needs into development strategies. Data center operators must aim to become long-term contributors to thriving localities."

As atNorth continues to expand its reach with additional data centers across the Nordics—including sites in Finland and Denmark—it remains committed to innovative practices and sustainable growth. Through its projects like ICE03, atNorth not only leads the way in the data center industry but also sets a standard for integrating environmental stewardship into the core of its operations.

For further details on atNorth's efforts and future projects, visit atNorth.com.