Deerns is delighted to be a Gold sponsor for this year’s Data Center Nation (DCN) Milan on 2 April at Allianz MiCo. The focus will be on the evolving challenges of urban data centres, highlighting the crucial role of sustainability and innovation.
Deerns is delighted to be a Gold sponsor for this year’s Data Center Nation (DCN) Milan on 2 April at Allianz MiCo. The focus will be on the evolving challenges of urban data centres, highlighting the crucial role of sustainability and innovation.
Deerns, a driving force behind the transition towards more efficient and city-integrated data centres, hosts a panel of experts exploring the shift from hyperscale models to Edge Data Centres: “Investing in the Future: Sustainable Data Centres and Smart Land Use Strategies”.
“While hyperscale data centres remain crucial for managing complex workloads, edge data centres are emerging to meet the demand for low latency demand and local processing,” says Danilo Andreotti, Unit Director Data Centres Italy, Deerns.
A New Model for Data Centres: Urban Integration
The discussion will focus on the increasing difficulty of securing new greenfield sites and how the transformation of disused industrial areas (brownfields) presents a strategic opportunity. “Investors and developers must navigate the intersection of sustainability, land use and building performance,” adds Colin Wyatt, Data Centre Sector Director, Deerns.
This approach offers several advantages from an urban design perspective minimising land consumption and preserving green areas as well as optimising existing infrastructure. According to Nicola Greco, Unit Director Facades, Deerns, another key opportunity is to develop architectural solutions that seamlessly blend data centres into city landscapes.
However, brownfield redevelopment comes with higher costs and operational challenges compared to greenfield projects, making targeted incentives and regulatory revisions essential to simplify approval processes and ensure an adequate return on investment.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The next generation of data centres requires a more advanced approach to energy management and digital infrastructure. Key solutions that will be discussed including: waste heat recovery, repurposing cooling system heat to power buildings and local networks, integration with renewable energy sources, reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy reliability, modular and prefabricated systems, accelerating construction and optimising costs.
Regulation & Policy: The Need for a Clear Framework
One of the major challenges facing the sector in Italy is the lack of clear regulatory classification for data centres, which are often treated as traditional industrial facilities. This results in: complex and lengthy approval processes; regulations unsuited to data centres, particularly regarding backup power systems and emissions; bureaucratic hurdles for urban regeneration projects.
A regulatory update recognising data centres as critical infrastructure is essential to support their sustainable development and urban integration.
Deerns will provide an in-depth analysis of the sector’s future and the growing role of Edge Data Centres in driving digital and urban transformation.
Focusing on the repurposing of brownfield sites the discussion will explore key issues such as the impact of design and operational efficiency on ROI; the potential of transforming former industrial sites into high-performing DC hubs; how architecture can enhance sustainability and align with community expectations; and how to manage regulatory and local engagement.
A must for investors and developers seeking to maximise the value of sustainable data centre real estate.
DCN Milan 2025: You’re invited!
DCN Milan is taking place at the Allianz MiCo-Milano Convention Centre on 2 April 2025. Join us for the panel discussion “Investing in the Future: Sustainable Data Centres and Smart Land Use Strategies”
The expert panel will include
- Simon Allen – Facilitator
- Colin Wyatt – Sector Director Data Centres, Deerns
- Faustino Musicco – Head of DC Team, Colliers
- Emmanuel Becker – CEO, Mediterra Data Center
- Mauro Burgio – Director, Bryden Wood Architects
- Andrea Tota – Country Manager, Hill International
Here’s where you can catch us to discuss the latest developments, explore opportunities and find out what we’re working on. Visit the rest of our delegation at our booth.
- Ricardo Fornari, Division Director Data Centres, Deerns
- Giuseppe Dibari, Country Director, Deerns Italy
- Danilo Andreotti, Unit Director Data Centres
- Nicola Greco, Unit Director Facades
- Mauro Rigo, Business Development
- Mattia Marianni, Unit Director Building Performance
