Protecting Data Center Construction Schedules from Weather Risk | Westgate Global

Duration: 4:44 767 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

In this episode of JSA TV from Data Cloud USA, Ben Gates, president of Westgate Global, discusses critical innovations aimed at protecting data center construction schedules from environmental risks. Westgate specializes in engineered temporary screening systems designed for weather control, addressing a common issue where standard systems fail under high winds. The company has recently announced a breakthrough in their technology, achieving the ability to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph. This significant improvement ensures that screening remains intact during severe storms, effectively de-risking construction timelines for general contractors and preventing costly delays caused by weather interruptions. Beyond physical protection, Gates highlights that weather is often the least understood constraint affecting data center build schedules, alongside well-known challenges like power availability. Adverse conditions such as extreme cold can halt concrete pours, while dust storms make it impossible to complete interior finishing work without extensive cleanup efforts. By deploying advanced temporary screening systems, construction teams can shield their sites from these elements, allowing work to continue uninterrupted regardless of external weather conditions. This capability is particularly vital for maintaining project momentum when facing unpredictable climate events or regional dust issues that would otherwise force significant pauses in the building process. Building trust within local communities is another essential factor for the long-term success of digital infrastructure projects. Gates emphasizes that early and transparent engagement with local planners and residents helps dispel misconceptions about data centers, such as concerns over water consumption and environmental impact. By clearly communicating the necessity of these facilities and outlining how they contribute to the area, companies can foster a positive relationship with their neighbors. This approach not only addresses public apprehension regarding resource usage but also demonstrates a commitment to giving back, which is crucial for securing social license to operate and ensuring projects can proceed without community opposition. Ultimately, Gates concludes that perception will be the defining factor shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Many negative views surrounding data centers stem from outdated information, particularly regarding water usage, even though modern facilities increasingly utilize closed-loop systems that require far less water than previously thought. Clearing up these misunderstandings is vital to transforming public opinion and proving that data centers are essential assets rather than burdens. By advancing industry transparency and correcting the narrative around environmental impact, the sector can build a more sustainable future where digital infrastructure is viewed as a necessary and responsible component of modern society.

Read the full video transcript

Welcome to JSA TV where we are covering the latest news, trends, and innovations live from Data Cloud USA on the show floor. Day one, the show floor is bustling, there's energy. Um joining me today is Ben Gates, president of Westgate Global. Thanks for joining me, Ben. >> Thank you. Thanks for me. >> Welcome to the show. >> Thank you for having me on the show. >> So, um I hear you have some company news you'd like to share with our audience. >> Yeah, that's right. So, um as you know, Westgate Global, we uh do engineered temporary screening systems for weather control, mainly for the data center industry. Um a lot of temporary screening systems blow down with when it's windy. >> Okay. >> Now, actually we've been pushing our temporary screening system and uh actually we've happy to announce it achieves a wind speed of 150 mph. >> Oh, wow. That's impressive. >> So, whatever storms are in the area, our temporary screening will stay in place. Which means it totally de-risks the build schedule for the GC. >> Oh, yeah. That's a big deal. Well, it's all about the schedule, I hear. >> 100% yeah. >> Yes. Yes. So, um now tell me, how can digital infrastructure companies build trust and become better long-term partners in the community that they operate in? >> Yeah, it's a good question. I think it comes back to early engagement with the um local area, the the planners. I think if you can if you can the data center it data centers can actually speak to the local community what they're doing, what they're building, why it's required. >> Yes. >> And how they're going to give back to the area and get rid of some of the misconceptions in the industry as well. I think that will actually help to build long-term trust. I think that's actually critical. I think I I think that will mean that they can build what's required. >> Absolutely. Yes, that's what's most important. Um now, what are the least understood constraints to construction schedules in data centers in your opinion? >> Yeah, that's that's good good one. I mean, power's huge. That's a massive constraint, but that's kind of understood. >> Yeah. >> Um one of the least understood ones which we hear about is the weather. >> Mhm. >> And whether that's bad weather or whether it's dust dust storms, I think that hugely impacts the schedule of the the build. So, bad weather you know, cold you suddenly can't do the concrete pour. Whereas um and you can't do the finish out. >> Right. >> Um if it's really dusty, you're trying to do the the finish out or trying to do the build and you've got all this dust coming in and that impacts your overall schedule cuz you've got to clean up after yourselves. >> Right, right, right. >> hence we do the temporary screening, which means you can have the data center being built and it's not subject to bad weather. >> Awesome. That's amazing. Um so now, last question. In one word, what factor will define the future of digital infrastructure? >> One word I think probably be perception. >> Oh, why is that? >> Well, I think there's a lot of misconceptions in this industry. >> Yes. >> Um water's one of them. The amount of water that these data centers require. >> Mhm. >> And yes, um as we know, if they have taken a lot of water, but actually now they're going to close loop systems, they don't require the same amount of water. So, I think if we can get clear up some of these misconceptions, I think we can turn the whole perception of data centers actually to something which people think actually no, these are required and actually they're not as bad as we think. >> Right, right, right. Just advancing industry as a whole. >> 100%. >> Help us all. >> Absolutely. Yeah, we can build what's required. >> Well, thanks, Ben. I appreciate you coming on the show. And um so, where can we find out more about you guys? >> Yeah, so if you um go to our website, uh www.westgate-global.com, or Google us Westgate, and um get in touch with me. I'm Ben Gates, president of Westgate Global. We'll be very glad to um work with you. >> Awesome. Well, thank you again for coming on the show. And thank you, viewers, for tuning in. Stay curious, stay connected, and happy networking.