SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024
"Blueprint to Byte: The Digital Lifecycle of Data Center Construction"
Panelists: Saad Minhas, Equinix | Crystal Eggers

Presentation Abstract:
Embarking on transformative journey through the digitized landscape of construction projects, our presentation, led by a seasoned director of engineering and a legal expert from a leading data center provider, illuminates the paradigm shift of technology at every stage of a data center project lifecycle. We delve into the assurance that technology has not only arrived for the construction industry but is continuously evolving, reshaping the norms from feasibility to maintenance and operations.

Commencing with feasibility, we will unravel how technology has revolutionized data acquisition processes. From identifying ideal sites to new surveying technologies to intricate due diligence procedures, attendees will gain insights into the evolving methods for comprehensive and precise data collection.

Advancing to the preconstruction phase, the presentation examines the digitization of the design and entitlement processes, and the integration of laser scanning and surveying technologies, unveiling their pivotal role in enhancing accuracy and efficiency during and after construction, particularly in creating detailed as-builts.

Transitioning seamlessly into project delivery, we shed light on how digitization addresses power constraints within data centers. Attendees will discover how advancements optimize power systems, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations amid ever-growing demands.

The discussion will turn to the stage of resolving deficiencies, showcasing how technology mitigates challenges through innovations in noise and liquid cooling systems, balancing performance considerations.

As we navigate maintenance and operations phases, our presentation will elucidate the significance of critical close out items such as securing digital signatures and managing access to permitting. We emphasize how digitization streamlines inventory management and regulator compliance, making digital processes integral to project documentation.

This structured presentation offers a sequential exploration of digitization across the construction project lifecycle, with data centers as a particularly helpful example of how construction also propels the continuous evolution of technology. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how each phase is being reshaped by digital advancements, showcasing the construction industry's transition into an era defined by technological innovation.

SAAD MINHAS
Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate, Americas, Equinix

 

Saad is a Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate, Americas at Equinix, advising on construction, renewables, real estate and general matters across Canada, US and Latin America. Equinix is a REIT and the global leader in digital infrastructure solutions. Saad's legal and commercial experience has included cross-sector P3 projects across Canada, as transaction counsel for Infrastructure Ontario, global construction counsel for RBC, and Canadian counsel for WeWork.

Saad received his law degree from the University of Westminster in London, England, holds a Certificate in Construction Law from Osgoode Hall and the Harvard Law School Negotiation Master program. He was recognized in 2019 as a "Future Leader of the Professor" by the RICS and CIQS, and frequently publishes industry papers.

CRYSTAL EGGERS

 

Crystal is a professional engineer with 20 years of experience in site design and entitlement. She specializes in light industrial and renewable energy projects, and has a particular fondness for data center because of the unique challenges and high level of coordination they entail.

Ms. Eggers knows that a good design isn't just code-compliant, it also needs to account for constructibility needs, be efficient for the project's overall cost and schedule, and result in the highest yield possible for the client...and it needs to be able to pivot when market needs change. Her favourite question to answer is "how would [insert project change] impact our entitlement requirements and schedule?