The Hidden Risks in Data Centre Builds – and How to Avoid Them
The UK and Ireland’s data centre sector is growing at an unprecedented pace. According to TechUK, UK data centre capacity is projected to increase by over 10% annually until 2030, with Ireland already hosting more than 80 operational facilities and plans for dozens more. But with this rapid expansion comes risk — and in the high-stakes world of digital infrastructure, even small oversights can lead to costly downtime, safety issues, and regulatory breaches.
From cooling systems to chemical dosing, drainage to fire protection, every element of a data centre build plays a part in maintaining uptime, protecting assets, and meeting environmental and safety standards. Yet too often, these systems are procured piecemeal from multiple suppliers, increasing complexity and leaving critical gaps.
Risk 1 – Compliance Failures
Regulatory oversight in the sector is tightening. In the UK, Building Regulations, environmental discharge consents, and standards like BS EN 806 for water installations are increasingly enforced. In Ireland, planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency have also introduced more rigorous environmental impact requirements. Compliance isn’t optional — and non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, or enforced shutdowns.
IPS Solution: IPS Flow Systems supplies WRAS-approved and corrosion-resistant piping systems, double containment solutions for hazardous fluids, and drainage products that meet or exceed UK and Irish regulations. Our technical team supports clients from design stage through to installation to ensure every system is built with compliance at its core.
Risk 2 – Downtime Due to Component Failure
Data centres run 24/7. A single leak in a cooling system or failure in a chemical dosing line can result in temperature spikes, server damage, and downtime costing millions. According to the Uptime Institute, the average cost of a major outage now exceeds £700,000.
IPS Solution: Our piping, valves, and flow control solutions are engineered for reliability in high-demand environments. From pressure-rated PVDF for high-temperature chemical lines to Swissfluid lined valves for aggressive media, we supply systems that minimise the risk of unplanned failures.
Risk 3 – Inefficient Project Delivery
Juggling multiple suppliers means juggling delivery schedules, technical specifications, and installation compatibility — all while coordinating with multiple points of contact. This complexity increases the risk of project delays.
IPS Solution: IPS offers a full-spectrum supply chain for data centre builds, including:
- High-performance thermoplastic piping systems
- Double containment solutions for chemical handling
- Flowmeters and instrumentation for precise system monitoring
- Drainage and waste management systems
- Fire protection systems for mission-critical areas
By consolidating supply, we reduce lead times, eliminate compatibility issues, and give project managers one trusted partner from start to finish.
Engineering for Extremes
Data centres operate at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. They need systems that not only perform under standard conditions, but also withstand extremes — from peak load cooling to emergency shutdowns. Our solutions are designed with longevity in mind, delivering reliable performance for decades while meeting sustainability targets.
At IPS Flow Systems, we believe that in the race to expand digital infrastructure, reliability and compliance must never be sacrificed for speed. The right materials, the right systems, and the right partner can mean the difference between a smooth, on-time launch and an expensive setback.
📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 | 📞 IRE: +353 1 2573741 www.ipsflowsystems.com
Sources:
- TechUK – UK Data Centre Sector Overview (2024)
- Uptime Institute – Annual Outage Analysis (2024)
- Irish Environmental Protection Agency – Licensing Requirements for Data Centres (2023)
- BS EN 806 – Specifications for Installations Inside Buildings Conveying Water for Human Consumption