ATNORTH
This flexibility is greatly appreciated within the data centre industry currently, as AI and HPC applications continue to expand. Anna suggests that learning from other industries that have also experienced rapid growth cycles has helped atNorth in its approach to managing technology-based challenges.
“ We can apply so many of the lessons learned from other industries throughout the years,” she explains.“ That, I think, is absolutely key for our industry so that we continue to embrace innovation and implement it across our operations.”
Building for decades, not years atNorth’ s approach to innovation focuses primarily on balancing the need for sustainability rather than simply improving its technical capabilities. This, Anna says, is to future-proof its data centres and avoid expensive retrofits and ensure facilities remain competitive throughout their operational lives.
“ When you are laying the foundation, you think about how you’ re going to grow,” she explains.“ We are marrying innovation and sustainability rather than balancing it. What that means is that the most interesting innovation in our industry at this time is about what we can do to contribute further to a circular economy and be more sustainable in what we do.” atNorth’ s long-term perspective distinguishes it from operators focused on immediate returns. Despite only having 16 years of reputation, Anna says the company is completely dedicated to ensuring it is there in the future and its site selection decisions reflect this thinking.
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