The increasing digitalisation of our lives is leading to a sharp rise in data volumes, which must be processed efficiently. This presents the construction industry with the key task of designing the physical infrastructure of the digital future. Data centres are becoming increasingly relevant as a dynamic and economically significant asset class. They not only offer attractive investment opportunities, but also the potential for sustainable and innovative construction methods. With exponential data growth, there is increasing demand for powerful, secure and energy-efficient data centres, which are essential for modern digital technologies such as cloud services, AI, 5G and IoT. For the construction industry, this presents great opportunities, but also complex technical challenges.

Everything from a single source: comprehensive project management

With its comprehensive ‘everything from a single source’ service promise, PORR covers the entire construction project cycle and the integration of technical systems, right through to technical acceptance and commissioning. Specialised teams of experts work closely with clients in every phase of the project, always guided by the highest industry standards. This is particularly important as technologies related to big data, AI and IoT are constantly evolving. Newly built data centres must therefore meet ever-increasing requirements in terms of scalability, performance and the technologies used. This sets new standards in efficiency, quality and collaboration. LEAN Construction optimises processes, while Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables consistent management of building data across all project phases. Thanks to collaboration with global clients and cross-border teams, expertise in the field of data centres in Germany and its European home markets has been continuously expanded.

Service areas work hand in hand

Before actual construction begins, thorough preparation of the construction site is usually necessary. The transformation from a brownfield to a greenfield site requires specialised expertise. The clearance and preparation of previously used areas – from demolition work to the recycling of materials and soil remediation – are all part of the complete range of services.

Data centres are highly sensitive structures where absolute stability is essential. Even the slightest ground movements, settlement or vibrations in the floor slab can impair IT systems or disrupt connections. That is why experts carefully analyse the subsoil before construction begins in order to rule out any risks. Frankipfahl NG^® technology is used to ensure high load-bearing capacity. The number and length of the piles are adapted to the respective ground conditions – this enables considerable savings in concrete and steel during construction – without compromising load-bearing capacity. This approach supports both economic and ecological objectives.

However, the challenges go far beyond statics. When selecting a location, factors such as power grid connection, proximity to internet hubs, availability of skilled workers and potential environmental impacts must be taken into account. Innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption, such as the use of renewable energies and advanced cooling systems, are essential, as the centres must be constantly supplied with sufficient electrical energy. The waste heat from server cooling can also be put to good use, for example to heat neighbouring buildings. In addition, physical and digital security measures are required to protect sensitive data. The approval procedures are complex, the schedules ambitious and the requirements for technical building equipment particularly high.

Technological expertise through LEAN and BIM

When implementing data centres, the project teams rely on lean methods for process optimisation and BIM to make construction processes transparent, identify challenges early on and avoid technical conflicts – for example, in building services engineering. This ensures that every data centre can be handed over on time and in the required quality. Several major data centres have already been built in this way. The BER12 data centre in Ludwigsfelde near Berlin, which has already been completed, was recently awarded the ‘Most Successfully Delivered Data Centre’ prize by the DCWAwards 2025. This state-of-the-art two-storey building covers an area of 11,400 m² and offers extensive technological infrastructure, including advanced cooling systems and independent power lines. In Poland, the company has realised the DC01 data centre in Jawczyce. This project covers a total area of 7,200 m². The data centre is characterised by its advanced infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies to ensure efficiency and security. Another project is the WAW 11.1 data centre in Warsaw, which has a total area of 6,730 m². Further projects are being implemented in the Frankfurt am Main region. These underscore our role as a partner in the development and construction of data centres.

A reliable partner for the digital future

Digitalisation is fundamentally changing the way we live and work – and offers the construction industry the opportunity to actively shape this change. A holistic approach that combines technological processes, partnership-based cooperation and innovative methods such as lean construction and BIM provides a solid foundation for this. PORR is presenting its comprehensive data centre expertise for the first time this year at Expo Real 2025 in Munich.