A Hub of Innovation
Kao Knowledge leads the information centre trade with a deal with AI and superior computing. Located strategically between Cambridge and London, the 15-acre campus is constructed on the historic website of Sir Charles Kao’s groundbreaking discovery of fibre optic cable in 1966. With over £230 million funding, the campus homes 4 cutting-edge, carrier-neutral knowledge centres designed to help an IT load of 40MW, all powered by 100% renewable vitality. The campus, which might broaden to accommodate an IT load of 83MW, is a testomony to the UK’s place as a worldwide chief in knowledge infrastructure.
The lighting undertaking
The lighting set up on the Kao Knowledge centres was executed in a number of phases, beginning with the KLON01 knowledge centre undertaking in 2019 and increasing by means of to the KLON02 knowledge centre and the continued KLON03 knowledge centre tasks. Every section has been meticulously designed to align with Kao Knowledge’s imaginative and prescient of a sustainable and technologically superior setting. Zumtobel and Thorn, in collaboration with JCA Engineering and MEIT Consultants, offered a tailor-made lighting answer that not solely enhances the visible attraction of the areas but in addition contributes to the campus’s low Energy Utilization Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.2—a benchmark in vitality effectivity.
Targets
The first goal of the undertaking was to implement a lighting system that maximises vitality effectivity whereas sustaining the excessive operational requirements required by an information centre. Kao Knowledge sought to combine an answer that would supply optimum lighting for technical areas, cut back vitality consumption, and guarantee long-term sustainability. Moreover, the undertaking aimed to reinforce the power’s aesthetic high quality, reflecting Kao Knowledge’s progressive spirit.
The longer term-proof scheme
Zumtobel’s TECTON continuous-row luminaire system, the spine of the scheme, was chosen for its superior efficiency, sustainability, and suppleness. TECTON is understood for its lengthy lifespan, glorious glare management, and excessive luminous efficacy, sustaining 95% of its efficacy even after ten years of steady operation. Thorn Lighting’s Aquaforce Professional vapourproof battens complemented TECTON for back-of-house areas, ForceLED vapourproof battens for exterior gantries, Omega Professional 2 panels within the workplaces, and Chalice downlights in bathrooms and stairways.
The TECTON system’s modular design allowed for seamless integration of emergency lighting and sensors within the knowledge halls, making it a great alternative for a dynamic and future-proof setting like Kao Knowledge. The lighting answer not solely met however exceeded the stringent sustainability requirements, contributing to the campus’s BREEAM ‘Wonderful’ certification.
Outcomes and Advantages
The collaboration between Kao Knowledge, JCA Engineering, MEIT Consultants, Zumtobel and Thorn has resulted in a lighting answer that optimally helps the information centre’s operations whereas considerably lowering vitality consumption when in comparison with older and fewer environment friendly options. The usage of Zumtobel’s TECTON system has ensured that the lighting just isn’t solely energy-efficient however sustainable because the system is reusable and will be upgraded by means of the lifetime of the product the undertaking, making it extremely adaptable to the altering wants of the information centre setting.
The effectivity advantages proceed within the Thorn luminaires used within the white house areas. The undertaking’s success is mirrored within the campus’s recognition as one of many prime enterprise environments in East Anglia, in addition to its rating among the many UK’s most superior and sustainable knowledge centres.
Mike Tamblingson, Operations Director from Kao Knowledge, expressed his satisfaction with the lighting improve: “Partnering with Zumtobel and Thorn, has been a consider attaining our sustainability and operational targets at Kao Knowledge. The TECTON lighting system’s excessive efficiency and adaptableness have ensured that our knowledge centres not solely meet however exceed trade requirements for vitality effectivity and operational excellence. Zumtobel and Thorn’s, dedication to high quality and innovation has really made a distinction in our ongoing mission to supply world-class knowledge providers.”
Wanting Ahead
As Kao Knowledge continues to broaden its campus with the completion of the KLON03 constructing in 2025, Zumtobel and Thorn stay a trusted companions in delivering lighting options which are sustainable, environment friendly, and aligned with the most recent technological developments.
Ed Haslett, Divisional Director for Essential Amenities Zumtobel Group UK&I, “Strolling across the Harlow campus, you’ll be able to see the care and a spotlight that Kao and their undertaking companions have taken to construct a world class facility. I am happy with the half we now have performed right here. Our luminaires have exactly lit the areas, particularly within the technical suites. Through the use of the proper output and distribution beams, you’ll be able to see that we now have lit the racks very effectively so the engineers can see precisely what they’re engaged on always. These are the kinds of tasks that Zumtobel and Thorn, excel in delivering, and we look ahead to engaged on the upcoming Kao tasks in Harlow and Manchester.”
The lighting options offered for Kao Knowledge Centres should not nearly assembly present wants—they’re about making ready for the long run. With a deal with long-term sustainability and technological innovation, Zumtobel and Thorn proceed to mild the best way ahead for Kao Knowledge and the broader knowledge centre trade.
