Choosing the right energy consultant for your data center can save you money, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulations. Picking the wrong one? That could mean higher costs, delays, and long-term inefficiencies.
Here’s what you need to know:
Bottom line: The right consultant will deliver measurable savings, ensure compliance, and future-proof your data center. Start with these questions to identify the best fit for your project.
6 Essential Questions to Ask Energy Consultants Before Hiring for Data Centers
When evaluating a consultant for your data center project, it's essential to dig into their direct experience with energy efficiency in high-density environments. The ideal candidate should have a solid track record across five key areas: IT equipment reduction, power infrastructure (UPS/PDU), airflow management, HVAC optimization, and benchmarking. These areas are critical because energy efficiency directly influences operational costs in data center construction projects. Their experience should also reflect the ability to tailor strategies to different data center configurations.
Not all data centers are created equal, and each type requires a unique approach. For instance, hyperscale facilities - housing 5,000+ servers - operate quite differently from enterprise data centers, which typically support 500 to 2,000 servers. Cooling systems in efficient hyperscale setups may only consume about 7% of total energy, but in less efficient enterprise centers, that figure can climb above 30%. When interviewing consultants, ask about the types of data centers they've worked with and how they’ve adapted their strategies.
High-density environments, in particular, demand specialized cooling solutions. Methods like in-rack or in-row cooling can reduce energy use by up to threefold compared to traditional room-based cooling systems. Understanding their expertise in these advanced solutions can help you assess their ability to optimize energy use in your specific setup.
Concrete results speak volumes about a consultant's capabilities. Ask for measurable outcomes from their past projects. Look for examples like improvements in PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), reductions in energy costs, or successful integration of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems. For instance:
Also, inquire about their use of standardized tools such as DC Pro, the PUE Estimator, or the Air Management Tool to quantify energy savings. Certifications like Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) are another strong indicator of their qualifications. These credentials show that the consultant adheres to established protocols and relies on proven methodologies rather than guesswork.
When evaluating a consultant for your data center project, their technical expertise is just as important as their experience. A deep understanding of energy standards, cooling and power systems, and monitoring tools is essential for achieving measurable energy efficiency goals. During interviews, focus on their familiarity with specific technologies and methods that align with industry standards and deliver tangible results.
One of the first areas to explore is their knowledge of ASHRAE Standard 90.4-2022, the benchmark for energy-efficient data center design and operation. This standard uses metrics like MLC and ELC to provide a detailed framework for evaluating energy efficiency during the design phase. A strong candidate should be able to explain how they’ve applied these metrics in real-world projects.
Ask about their experience with ASHRAE TC 9.9 Thermal Guidelines, which outline recommended and allowable temperature and humidity ranges for IT equipment. Consultants who are well-versed in these guidelines can help you take advantage of free cooling by safely increasing supply temperatures. Additionally, they should be familiar with ASHRAE Guideline 1.6, which covers commissioning best practices to ensure systems meet performance goals.
These standards form the foundation for energy-efficient design, but expertise in cooling and power systems takes efficiency to the next level.
Optimizing cooling and power systems requires a strong grasp of emerging technologies. For instance, ask about their experience with warm liquid cooling, a method that not only reduces energy costs but also enhances system resiliency as computing demands grow. This approach is especially effective in high-density environments where traditional air cooling often falls short.
The candidate should also discuss air management upgrades, which can significantly improve energy efficiency while maintaining a safe thermal environment for IT equipment. On the power side, look for expertise in optimizing the electrical power chain, which includes components like transformers, generators, UPSs, and PDUs. Efficiency improvements in these areas can lead to substantial energy savings, as IT equipment drives the majority of energy consumption in a data center.
Precision monitoring is key to effective energy management. Ask about their experience with tools like DC Pro and the Air Management Tool, which are designed to analyze energy use, estimate carbon reductions, and calculate the return on investment for upgrades.
"Monitoring and controls are essential to effective energy management, providing both the measurements to diagnose energy waste and the operational tools to respond." - Center of Expertise for Data Center Efficiency
In addition, inquire about their familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) systems. These tools integrate IT, cooling, and power infrastructure, collecting real-time data that can be transformed into actionable insights. A skilled consultant should also know how to integrate DCIM systems with existing Building Automation Systems (BAS) and use onboard server sensors for detailed monitoring. Lastly, they should have experience with ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager, a tool for benchmarking your facility’s energy performance against others in the industry.
Having technical know-how is only part of the equation. A consultant also needs to effectively handle teams, schedules, and budgets - especially in active data centers where delays can become costly fast. This is even more important when working on retrofits in facilities that need to stay operational.
Managing projects in live data centers requires a mix of technical and organizational expertise. Retrofitting these spaces comes with unique challenges, and it’s worth asking candidates for specific examples of phased retrofits that kept operations running smoothly.
Pay attention to how they describe protecting critical systems during construction. For example, they might share techniques like rerouting active medium-voltage feeders through ceilings or beneath slabs to avoid construction zones. Another common strategy is using 2N system topologies, which ensure full redundancy even when one side is offline for maintenance. These kinds of details show they understand the complexities of mission-critical construction.
"Retrofitting a data center can often occur in phases, allowing operations to continue uninterrupted during renovations." - WB Engineers+Consultants
Don’t forget to ask about their testing protocols. Experienced consultants often use heaters to simulate heat loads, ensuring system performance without risking live IT equipment. They should also explain how they’ve maintained Issues Logs to track and resolve potential problems during both the design and construction phases. This proactive approach can prevent delays and keep budgets on track.
Beyond the technical hurdles of retrofits, success also hinges on how well they manage team dynamics.
Smooth collaboration is at the heart of any successful project. Ask how the consultant works with MEP specialists, construction managers, and facility staff. Specifically, find out how they establish clear responsibility matrices for handling data, utilities, and operational details.
"Effective communication and collaboration are essential. To lay the foundation for a successful outcome, you must make a plan to clearly define what information is needed and how to get it." - Chris Baker, Project Executive, Willdan
It’s also worth discussing their approach to early involvement of Commissioning Authorities and the use of monitoring-based platforms to validate performance. For instance, this strategy helped the U.S. General Services Administration achieve 15.9% energy savings across 60 buildings.
Lastly, dive into their budgeting experience. Retrofitting projects typically range from $4 million to $8 million per MW and take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. A consultant’s ability to manage these costs effectively can make or break a project.
After confirming a consultant's ability to handle the technical and operational aspects of your project, the next step is understanding how they'll prove the investment was worthwhile. Energy efficiency upgrades can involve significant costs, so it's essential to know how success will be measured and how long-term value will be demonstrated. Beyond technical expertise, you need assurance that energy savings will be measurable and deliver a clear return on investment (ROI).
Start by asking what metrics they use to evaluate performance. Beyond the commonly used Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), look for additional measures like:
Also, delve into subsystem-specific metrics. For example, cooling plant efficiency is often measured in kilowatts per ton (kW/ton), while air-handling efficiency relies on watts per cubic foot per minute (watts/cfm). These detailed measurements can reveal where improvements are occurring - or where they might be falling short.
Benchmarking is another critical area to discuss. Consultants generally rely on two approaches: longitudinal benchmarking, which tracks a single facility's performance over time, and cross-sectional benchmarking, which compares your data center to industry peers. For cross-sectional comparisons, ask if they use the EPA's ENERGY STAR score, which rates data centers on a 1-100 scale based on actual energy performance data. This can help you understand how your facility stacks up against others in the market.
Lastly, request details about their Measurement and Verification (M&V) plan. A robust plan should adhere to established protocols like the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) M&V Guidelines Version 5.0, which was updated in October 2024 to include a specific Data Center Addendum. A complete M&V plan typically includes a formal pre-installation baseline, a post-installation report, and annual reports to verify ongoing savings. These elements are crucial for maintaining transparency and ensuring consistent performance monitoring over time.
It's not enough to achieve energy savings at the start; you need to ensure those savings persist long after the project is completed. Confirm that the consultant employs Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx), which uses software to continuously gather data from building automation systems and advanced meters.
Programs like the U.S. General Services Administration's GSAlink demonstrate the potential of MBCx. Launched in 2012, GSAlink monitored 60 buildings, resulting in 15.9% whole-building energy savings, $7 million in annual energy savings, and a 24.7% reduction in annual peak demand by October 2020. Similarly, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Building Retuning™ program achieved a 15% median energy savings across 24 federal projects.
"Continuous monitoring of facility data enables early detection and mitigation of ECM performance degradation over the performance period." - Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Ask if the consultant incorporates Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (AFDD) tools. These systems are designed to catch hidden issues early, prioritizing them based on their potential for energy savings. By addressing problems before they escalate, AFDD tools can prevent inefficiencies and avoid costly repairs.
Additionally, verify that the consultant conducts annual M&V reviews with the owner's involvement. This ensures transparency and confirms that equipment is being properly maintained to meet the projected savings. Without this level of oversight, even the most well-designed systems can drift off course, ultimately compromising the ROI you were promised.
Energy efficiency projects must navigate strict regulatory standards while aiming for sustainability goals. The consultant you choose should have a solid grasp of both federal and state regulations and the expertise to incorporate green building practices without compromising the facility's performance. For mission-critical data centers, compliance and sustainability are just as important as technical know-how. These questions about regulations and sustainability build on earlier discussions of technical and project management skills, ensuring the project remains compliant and environmentally responsible over time.
Start by asking about their familiarity with EPA benchmarking requirements. The EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is the go-to tool for comparing a data center's energy performance with similar facilities. It requires 12 months of continuous metered energy data to establish a baseline. Not every data center qualifies for an ENERGY STAR rating, so it’s important to ask how they handle "Case 2" scenarios. For facilities that don’t qualify, inquire about their approach to benchmarking against the national median or at least three comparable sites.
"Data center spaces are often misclassified by project teams... This space type is limited to spaces intentionally designed to be data centers and high-computing processing areas." - U.S. Green Building Council
Ensure the consultant has hands-on experience with EPA benchmarking through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and understands how to implement submetering protocols to distinguish data centers from other facility types. For office buildings, a space is only classified as a "data center" if it contains server racks, raised-floor computing areas, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and dedicated cooling systems. Confirm that they know how to calibrate building meters at the recommended intervals to maintain accurate data for regulatory reporting.
Additionally, verify their familiarity with industry-standard audits and methodologies, including the Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) Process Manual for energy assessments and ASHRAE Level 1 audits, which identify energy-saving opportunities.
Beyond meeting regulatory standards, sustainable design practices can add significant value to a project. Ask how the consultant incorporates strategies like LEED certification and renewable energy solutions into their work. Projects registered after March 1, 2024, must meet the updated LEED v4 2024 requirements, which focus on decarbonization and stricter energy performance benchmarks.
In data centers where unregulated energy use exceeds 50% of the total, consultants may apply less stringent Core and Shell criteria. This flexibility is crucial for facilities dominated by IT equipment energy consumption. Ask if they use ASHRAE 209-2018 during the design process to model how decisions affect building performance and greenhouse gas emissions in real time.
Renewable energy integration is another critical area. Both EPA and LEED guidelines require renewable energy consumption to be separately metered and reported - net meter readings won’t suffice for compliance. On-site renewable energy can be factored in by subtracting it from the proposed building performance. For greenhouse gas (GHG) metrics, projects can also claim credit for Tier 2 off-site renewable electricity. Confirm that the consultant knows how to document these elements correctly to maximize credit opportunities.
Also, ask about their experience with pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs) like EApc160 and EApc161, which promote electrification, peak load reduction, and renewable energy adoption to meet decarbonization goals. For instance, under Pilot Credit EApc160, projects can earn 4 to 7 points for reducing emissions from on-site combustion and 6 points for lowering heating and cooling peaks. These pathways offer a prescriptive way to demonstrate decarbonization without intensive energy modeling, making the documentation process more efficient while achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes. Finally, consider how these compliance strategies align with emerging technologies and risk management approaches.
Evaluating risk management practices and staying updated on technological advances are crucial for maintaining a high-performing data center. Just like technical know-how and regulatory compliance, actively managing risks is a key element in achieving long-term energy efficiency. Data center energy projects often face hurdles like grid delays or the rapid pace of technological change. The consultant you choose should be able to anticipate risks before they escalate and stay ahead of innovations that could enhance efficiency. These questions can help you determine if they can safeguard your investment while preparing your facility to embrace advancements in power and energy infrastructure.
Start by asking how they identify and evaluate potential risks that could disrupt energy efficiency. A consultant should begin with IT systems, as their performance directly impacts secondary systems like cooling and power. This "IT-first" approach avoids over-engineering infrastructure, which can lead to unnecessary costs and reduced efficiency.
Find out which performance simulation tools they use to model energy systems. These tools should help pinpoint risks related to energy output, financial returns, and specific factors like local climate, building orientation, shading, and usage patterns.
Discuss their strategies for handling grid interconnection delays and power supply risks. Holt Bradshaw, Principal Consultant at Siemens PTI Energy Advisory, highlights the severity of these delays:
"The queue to interconnect extends for multiple years in some places".
For large-scale projects, lead times can stretch to 5 years for gas turbines and as much as 10 years for transmission expansion. To counteract these delays, many operators are turning to "Bring Your Own Power" (BYOP) solutions, which involve creating on-site microgrids with energy storage and generation capabilities. Ask how they plan to capitalize on on-site assets, such as selling surplus energy or providing grid services once a permanent connection is established.
Additionally, ensure they have strategies in place to address energy price volatility. For example, a recent capacity auction by PJM, the largest grid operator in the U.S., saw a 22% price increase compared to the previous year. Robust market and fuel hedging strategies can help mitigate these types of risks.
Once risks and mitigation plans are addressed, it’s vital to explore how the consultant incorporates cutting-edge technologies to further optimize operations.
With new technologies constantly reshaping energy strategies, it’s essential to align these advancements with solid risk management practices. Ask how the consultant stays updated on the latest energy technologies. They should actively engage in industry conferences, professional networks, and continuing education. Request specific examples of recent certifications or events they’ve participated in.
Gauge their expertise in AI-driven optimization, battery storage, smart grids, and virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V, which can consolidate servers and cut hardware costs. When recommending new technologies, they should advocate for pilot programs to test feasibility and ROI before full deployment. For instance, pilot projects for smart grid technologies have led to immediate energy savings of 25% for initially hesitant clients.
Given the growing demands of the AI industry, ask about their approach to modular technology as a risk mitigation tool. Bradshaw points out:
"Data center developers often do not understand the time and technical requirements of connecting to the grid".
To meet urgent "speed-to-power" needs, some developers are opting for smaller, modular combustion turbines. While these may come with higher upfront costs, they can bypass the 5+ year delays often associated with major vendors. Confirm that the consultant is equipped to navigate both regulated and deregulated markets and can effectively collaborate with utilities to avoid interconnection bottlenecks.
Once you've completed the technical and risk assessments, the final step in securing the right energy consultant is recruitment. This step can be tricky - verifying certifications and technical skills takes time and can delay your project. Specialized recruiters simplify this process by pre-screening candidates and matching them to your specific needs. Instead of sifting through countless applications, you get access to professionals who’ve already been vetted for the exact expertise your project requires. This approach aligns perfectly with the rigorous technical evaluations you’ve conducted, ensuring only the most qualified experts are considered for your mission-critical projects.
Platforms like iRecruit.co specialize in data center construction and mission-critical roles, leveraging their deep industry knowledge to ensure candidates meet the necessary qualifications. They focus on certifications and technical expertise, helping you speed up the hiring process. This reduces the risk of onboarding someone who lacks the required credentials or industry experience.
One major advantage of these specialized platforms is their efficiency. They can provide qualified candidate profiles within an average of 48 hours after you define your project requirements. This quick turnaround is invaluable, especially when your project timelines are tight, and energy optimization measures need to be implemented without delay. Instead of spending weeks reviewing applications, you can immediately interview pre-qualified consultants who already have experience with tools like RETScreen Expert, Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and PVSyst.
By working with pre-screened professionals, you ensure your focus remains on candidates who are equipped to handle the unique challenges of data center projects.
Data centers operate in high-consumption environments, requiring consultants with expertise in areas like cooling efficiency, power systems, and waste heat recovery.
"A consultant with industry-specific expertise will understand unique energy consumption patterns and sector-specific regulations".
Specialized recruiters, such as iRecruit.co, concentrate on roles related to MEP systems, commissioning, and energy management, ensuring candidates align with your facility’s specific needs.
When you partner with a recruiter focused on mission-critical construction, you avoid the common mistake of hiring generalists. In data centers, errors in MEP systems can lead to costly redesigns, delays, and even budget overruns. By choosing recruiters who pre-screen for sector-specific expertise, you significantly reduce these risks, ensuring your consultant is ready to deliver measurable results from day one.
Finding the right energy consultant for your data center project begins with asking the right questions. These should uncover their expertise in the field, technical know-how, and understanding of regulatory requirements. Data centers are complex, high-energy environments with unique cooling needs and a demand for uninterrupted reliability. Simply put, a generalist won’t suffice. Look for credentials like Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and ask for concrete examples of past successes. This ensures they grasp critical metrics like Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and can deliver measurable energy efficiencies.
"Hiring someone who is not adequately qualified can lead to poor results." – Newman Consulting Group
It's also essential to confirm their ability to handle the intricacies of U.S. energy regulations, utility incentive programs, and sustainability requirements. Taking these steps helps safeguard your project from costly redesigns, compliance issues, and budget overruns, while aligning with your company’s ESG goals.
If you’re ready to hire, iRecruit.co can connect you with pre-screened energy consultants who are experienced in data center construction. With candidate profiles typically delivered within 48 hours, you’ll save time on screening and move straight to interviewing professionals who are prepared to deliver results from day one.
To ensure a consultant’s data center results are accurate, ask about where and how energy measurements are taken and whether all losses are accounted for. Power should be measured at critical points, such as the main distribution board and rack PDUs. Make sure their calculations include every type of loss - like cable losses and cooling system losses - so the results aren’t misleading. These steps help guarantee that the data represents the actual energy efficiency of the facility.
To show ROI in data center projects beyond just PUE, focus on metrics such as total energy consumption, cooling efficiency, power distribution losses, and overall energy savings. These metrics offer a broader perspective on both operational performance and cost savings.
To keep energy savings intact after a project wraps up, it's important to adopt strategies for ongoing monitoring and commissioning. Continuous measurement and verification (M&V) plays a key role by catching performance issues early. Meanwhile, monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) takes things a step further by delivering real-time data and automating analysis, making it easier to address problems quickly.
On top of that, intelligent efficiency methods - such as continual commissioning and adaptive controls - are great tools for maintaining performance. These approaches adjust to shifting conditions and occupancy patterns, ensuring systems stay efficient over time.
