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Siemens Unveils Modular Edge Data Center Solution

Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Cadolto Datacenter GmbH (Munich, Germany), and Legrand Data Center Solutions (Baiersdorf, Germany) are jointly unveiling a next-generation modular edge data center – a turnkey solution engineered for speed, scalability, and sustainability. The innovative system will debut at Data Center World Frankfurt 2025, taking place on June 4–5, 2025. New modular solution As demand for reliable, high-performance computing accelerates–driven by AI, edge processing, and data-intensive applications-businesses need more than just capacity. They need agile, efficient, and rapidly deployable infrastructure that scales as fast as their ambitions. This new modular solution delivers just that: a fully integrated, plug-and-play data center that can be configured, installed, expanded, and relocated with unprecedented ease. Unique operational needs The data center supports everything from basic workloads to high-density, AI-powered computing Unlike containerized data centers, this solution offers customizable, prefabricated modules that can be tailored to unique operational needs and deployed in a fraction of the time – with planning cycles from six to 12 months. The data center supports everything from basic workloads to high-density, AI-powered computing. Acting as an exclusive technology partner, Siemens integrates its full suite of Smart Infrastructure technologies – from medium- and low-voltage power distribution, to building automation, fire safety, and physical security systems. Siemens Financial Services Optional maintenance contracts and connection to a 24/7 emergency and service control center complete the solution. As both product provider and integrator, Siemens ensures seamless system interaction, minimizes interface complexity, and accelerates deployment.  With Siemens Financial Services providing flexible financing and rental models, businesses can scale up infrastructure without upfront capital investment. Integrated climate control Cadolto Datacenter acts as the manufacturer and general contractor of the modular edge data center Cadolto Datacenter acts as the manufacturer and general contractor of the modular edge data center, delivering the prefabricated modular building with integrated climate control.  Legrand Data Center Solutions brings its expertise in IT white space infrastructure – from racks and structured cabling to intelligent Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. Digital transformation “With digital transformation accelerating across every industry, our customers need infrastructure that moves as fast as they do,” said Ciaran Flanagan, Global Head of Data Center Solutions & Services at Siemens AG. Ciaran Flanagan adds, “This solution offers all the performance of a traditional data center, but with the agility to scale quickly, tailored to our customers’ specific needs. When ramping up capacity, it’s just a case of plugging it in.” IT-ready rental models The fully equipped, energy-efficient data centers are suitable for both permanent operation and interim use The fully equipped, energy-efficient data centers are suitable for both permanent operation and interim use. They can be deployed wherever needed – from secure high-performance computing in pharmaceutical environments to temporary applications, such as test setups in the automotive sector, space-constrained office locations, or even disaster recovery scenarios. 'IT-ready' rental models enable fast deployment without upfront investment, making them ideal for temporary IT hubs, lab environments, or other short-term infrastructure needs. Modular edge data center Each unit of the modular edge data center is factory-built with precision engineering and delivered ready-to-operate, minimizing on-site disruption and enabling live upgrades without downtime. With approximately 30 percent fewer CO₂ emissions during construction, a 90 percent recycling rate, and fully reusable components, it’s a future-forward approach to sustainable digital infrastructure. Visitors can experience the new solution first-hand at Data Center World Frankfurt, Hall 8, Catering Area CA4 – where a full-scale demo unit will be on display.

Energy Codes And BEPS: Net Zero Compliance Tactics

Decarbonization, Zero Waste, and Net Zero carbon emissions: they’re increasingly common goals for organizations, building owners, and facility managers. The first step toward achieving these goals, of course, is to measure building emissions to create a baseline. This measurement allows building owners and operators to assess the effectiveness of their sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives and demonstrate progress toward climate commitments. Building Energy Performance Standards Energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC regulate new construction and major renovations Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are outcome-based policies and laws aimed at reducing the carbon impact of the built environment by requiring existing buildings to meet energy and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-based performance targets. Energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC regulate new construction and major renovations, while BEPS encompasses policy tools for retrofitting existing buildings. State and local deadlines for BEPS are approaching quickly Deadlines are quickly approaching for buildings in localities that have adopted BEPS policies, and non-compliance comes at a steep price. The map at right, from EnergyCodes.gov, outlines the current adoption status for BEPS policies across the U.S. In summary: New York City: 2024 marked the first major compliance year under Local Law 97; buildings larger than 25,000 square feet must now meet strict emissions limits that began in 2024, with penalties of $268 per ton of CO2e over the limit annually. Boston: The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO 2.0) requires buildings over 20,000 square feet to reduce emissions incrementally, with fines amounting to $474,500 annually. Denver: Buildings larger than 25,000 square feet must achieve energy use intensity (EUI) targets by 2026, with additional improvements by 2030; targets are established on building type and usage. St. Louis: The city’s BEPS policy sets energy usage requirements for buildings over 50,000 square feet, with compliance deadlines beginning in 2025. Seattle: The new BEPS framework, set for implementation in 2026, will penalize non-compliant buildings at $10 per square foot annually. California: Senate Bill 48 mandates statewide BEPS for buildings over 50,000 square feet, with regulations finalized by 2026. Colorado: The largest buildings in the state must reduce GHG emissions by 7% by 2026 and 20% by 2030. Ultimately, by 2026, at least 40 U.S. cities will have BEPS in place , and additional local and state level policies may continue to emerge as adoption ripples through the U.S. It’s also worth noting that many of these decarbonization and efficiency mandates have been enacted at the local level; as long as these entities remain committed to these initiatives, building owners and operators will continue to be responsible for meeting BEPS and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements. The first step toward compliance: benchmarking energy use The first step toward compliance is to benchmark the building's energy use. Benchmarking involves measuring the building's energy consumption and then comparing that data to other properties of similar size and usage. This practice can reveal how efficiently the building operates while providing the insight building owners need to make informed decisions about energy efficiency initiatives, overcome performance gaps, and adjust compliance strategies. With a baseline, tracking progress and validating improvements toward emissions and efficiency targets is possible. But the importance of benchmarking goes beyond a simple compliance exercise. Without accurate data, building owners may overlook opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Benchmarking and reporting can also unlock financing options to fund retrofit and upgrade projects. Energy Star Portfolio Manager Energy Star Portfolio Manager is the industry standard for benchmarking in both the U.S. and Canada Energy Star Portfolio Manager is the industry standard for benchmarking in both the U.S. and Canada; it’s the foundation for compliance in many BEPS policies, and for good reason. Attempting to manually compile, track, and report on building energy data can be cumbersome and prone to error. This is where leveraging an established software platform to manage energy performance data can support building owners. Solutions like Building X® Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager from Siemens streamline the benchmarking and reporting process by automating data collection, integrating Energy Star data, and delivering real-time analytics that help owners take action to stay ahead of compliance deadlines. real-world opportunities Although navigating decarbonization, Zero Waste, Net Zero, and BEPS policy initiatives can feel daunting, building owners aren’t alone. The right technologies can combine with the right expertise to transform compliance from a regulatory burden to real-world opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof the buildings. Benchmarking is the first step in a proactive, comprehensive approach to staying ahead of performance targets. Now is the time for action – to explore solutions that make compliance easier, not harder. Working with experts who understand the evolving regulatory landscape and technologies that let users manage and act on energy data creates a partnership for success.

Benchmarking With Energy Star For BEPS Success

Decarbonization, Zero Waste, and Net Zero carbon emissions: they’re increasingly common goals for organizations, building owners, and facility managers. The first step toward achieving these goals, of course, is to measure building emissions to create a baseline. This measurement allows building owners and operators to assess the effectiveness of their sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives and demonstrate progress toward climate commitments. New construction and major renovations BEPS are outcome-based policies and laws aimed at reducing the carbon impact Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are outcome-based policies and laws aimed at reducing the carbon impact of the built environment by requiring existing buildings to meet energy and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-based performance targets.  Energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC regulate new construction and major renovations, while BEPS encompasses policy tools for retrofitting existing buildings. State and local deadlines for BEPS are approaching quickly Deadlines are quickly approaching for buildings in localities that have adopted BEPS policies, and non-compliance comes at a steep price. The map at right, from EnergyCodes.gov, outlines the current adoption status for BEPS policies across the U.S. In summary: New York City: 2024 marked the first major compliance year under Local Law 97, buildings larger than 25,000 square feet must now meet strict emissions limits that began in 2024, with penalties of $268 per ton of CO2e over the limit annually. Boston: The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO 2.0) requires buildings over 20,000 square feet to reduce emissions incrementally, with fines amounting to $474,500 annually. Denver: Buildings larger than 25,000 square feet must achieve energy use intensity (EUI) targets by 2026, with additional improvements by 2030; targets are established on building type and usage. St. Louis: The city’s BEPS policy sets energy usage requirements for buildings over 50,000 square feet, with compliance deadlines beginning in 2025. Seattle: The new BEPS framework, set for implementation in 2026, will penalize non-compliant buildings at $10 per square foot annually. California: Senate Bill 48 mandates statewide BEPS for buildings over 50,000 square feet, with regulations finalized by 2026. Colorado: The largest buildings in the state must reduce GHG emissions by 7% by 2026 and 20% by 2030. Decarbonization and efficiency Ultimately, by 2026, at least 40 U.S. cities will have BEPS in place, and additional local and state-level policies may continue to emerge as adoption ripples through the U.S.  It’s also worth noting that many of these decarbonization and efficiency mandates have been enacted at the local level; as long as these entities remain committed to these initiatives, building owners and operators will continue to be responsible for meeting BEPS and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements. The first step toward compliance: benchmarking energy use Benchmarking involves measuring the building's energy consumption The first step toward compliance is to benchmark the building's energy use. Benchmarking involves measuring the building's energy consumption and then comparing that data to other properties of similar size and usage.  This practice can reveal how efficiently the building operates while providing the insight building owners need to make informed decisions about energy efficiency initiatives, overcome performance gaps, and adjust compliance strategies. Importance of benchmarking With a baseline, tracking progress and validating improvements toward emissions and efficiency targets is possible. But the importance of benchmarking goes beyond a simple compliance exercise. Without accurate data, building owners may overlook opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Benchmarking and reporting can also unlock financing options to fund retrofit and upgrade projects. Energy Star Portfolio Manager Energy Star Portfolio Manager is the industry standard for benchmarking in both the U.S. and Canada Energy Star Portfolio Manager is the industry standard for benchmarking in both the U.S. and Canada; it’s the foundation for compliance in many BEPS policies, and for good reason. Attempting to manually compile, track, and report on building energy data can be cumbersome and prone to error.  This is where leveraging an established software platform to manage energy performance data can support building owners. Solutions like Building X® Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager from Siemens streamline the benchmarking and reporting process by automating data collection, integrating Energy Star data, and delivering real-time analytics that help owners take action to stay ahead of compliance deadlines. decarbonization in existing buildings: partners in success Although navigating decarbonization, Zero Waste, Net Zero, and BEPS policy initiatives can feel daunting, building owners aren’t alone. The right technologies can combine with the right expertise to transform compliance from a regulatory burden to real-world opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof your buildings. Benchmarking is the first step in a proactive, comprehensive approach to staying ahead of performance targets. Now is the time for action – to explore solutions that make compliance easier, not harder. Working with experts who understand the evolving regulatory landscape and technologies that let you manage and act on energy data creates a partnership for success.

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at Siemens

Labor Shortage In The Electricals Trade Defies Easy Solutions

The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.

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