Scale Data Centers Faster with Better Outcomes-Scale Data Centers Faster with Better Outcomes

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar “Scale Data Centers Faster with Better Outcomes,” presented by PCI, featured experts from Compass Data Centers and Wells Precast discussing innovative approaches to accelerate data center construction with quality and sustainability. The key focus is on adopting a prototypical total precast building design, which enables faster schedules, predictable delivery, and repeatable quality. Precast components such as double Ts support heavy structural loads and enable open floor plans, while insulated precast panels enhance energy efficiency and resilience.<br /><br />Compass Data Centers employs a manufacturing mindset through standardized prototype designs, enabling scalability across multiple campuses with customization flexibility. This approach reduces design time, improves assembly efficiency, and supports sustainable outcomes by lowering embodied carbon emissions by approximately 33% compared to traditional steel and tilt-up structures. Offsite prefabrication in controlled facilities leads to higher quality, reduced waste, and safer work environments.<br /><br />Successful execution hinges on closely coupled, long-term partnerships with suppliers, shifting from transactional to collaborative relationships. These partnerships involve multi-level communication, shared risks and benefits, transparency, and stable demand forecasts that foster innovation and operational excellence. Such collaboration delivers improved financial, environmental, and operational performance.<br /><br />Additional benefits include flexibility to adapt to community requirements, higher safety and workforce retention, and integrated sustainability certifications like Green Globes. The presenters emphasized continuous improvement, design for manufacturing and assembly, and cultural alignment with partners as critical enablers in the evolving hyperscale data center market. The session concluded with a Q&A exploring technical, contractual, and sustainability topics, reinforcing the importance of partnership and prototypical design for efficient, high-quality data center delivery.

Keywords

data centers

precast building design

Compass Data Centers

Wells Precast

sustainability

offsite prefabrication

prototype standardization

collaborative partnerships

energy efficiency

hyperscale market