Site Selection of Low Carbon Data Center

The site selection of a data center is one of the most challenging tasks with which decision maker for operation must face. The purpose of this paper is to present a research result which was to construct a generic framework for selecting a low-carbon data center site. To achieve the purpose, the modified Delphi method was used to inquire domain experts for providing critical parameters to select the site of low carbon data center. Thirty-one experts who had the authority of making decision on selecting the site of the data center were inquired. The questionnaire used Likert Scale. Based on the average value of weight ratios, the major indicators were determined: A, natural geographical resources (23%); B, Infrastructure (28 %); C, neighboring risk (16%); D, cost factor (20%); E, local policy and human resources (13%). The constructed generic framework resulted from this research could be based for further exploration. It would facilitate the findings of major indicators, sub-criterions and their weighting ratios for a specific geographical location. Meanwhile, its methodology could be used to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and operational risks with balanced cost effectiveness.