Global Switch, (Stages 1, 2, & 3)

Linesight adapt quickly to changes in project scope if required and are trusted independent representatives for Global Switch with a unique ability to communicate well and coordinate their efforts across multiple project disciplines

- Damon Reid, Global Switch's Managing Director, Sydney

Global Switch appointed Linesight to provide full cost management services on Stage One of Sydney East, for a number of key reasons:

• Extensive experience in the high-tech industrial sector, on both a local and global basis
• Local market knowledge
• Ability to benchmark, both locally and internationally
• Reputation as the leading data centre cost consultants in Australia 

Unparalleled domain experts  

Sydney East was divided into three stages, with the initial phase commencing construction in 2014. Our team provided full cost management services through specialist teams on the ground in Sydney. Between current and completed projects Linesight has worked on 340+ data centres across four continents. This global and specialized experience gives the team insight into the challenges faced when delivering mission critical infrastructure, as well as the ability to benchmark data centre costs across continents, which was a key requirement for the client. In addition, we are in a position to advise on best fit procurement and contracting strategies, detailed local market knowledge around AEs (architects and engineers), GCs (general contractors), risk factor analysis, and mitigation planning.  

Our sector expertise and local market knowledge were key factors in why Global Switch chose Linesight to oversee the cost management on this project, as the team 'possesses excellent knowledge which it can seamlessly apply to realize cost savings and efficiencies on our projects'. 

Looking towards the next stages of the development, Global Switch has chosen to extend its partnership with Linesight. Damon Reid, Global Switch's Managing Director in Sydney said 'We chose to extend our relationship with Linesight from Stage 1 into Stages 2 and 3 because their team consistently meets and exceeds our expectations in terms of quality of work, accuracy, flexibility, and timeliness in delivery. They adapt quickly to changes in project scope if required and are trusted independent representatives for Global Switch with a unique ability to communicate well and coordinate their efforts across multiple project disciplines. They also have excellent knowledge which they can seamlessly apply to realize cost savings and efficiencies on our projects'. 

Leading the way in energy efficiency 

Sydney East is at the forefront in terms of data centre technology, and incorporates some of the latest environmental design features. The Tier III+ world class data centre has been designed with a target annualized Power User Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35. This world class facility is amongst a small number of data centres in Australia to be awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating. The LEED rating tool is designed to assist owners and operators with aspects such as energy savings, water use, selection of green materials and choice of resources, and the quality levels of indoor environments. 

Stage 1 of the facility, located on the edge of Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), received the certification by utilizing a number of cutting edge environmental features, such as:

• Reconfigurable power and cooling distribution, variable speed fans, free air cooling systems, and low energy CRAH (Computer Room Air Handling) units provide energy reductions of around 40% compared to traditional data centres
• The ability to harvest rainwater and to recycle water
• Installation of a green roof providing thermal protection and at the same time reducing solar glare
• Utilizing where possible recycled or sustainable materials or components that assisted with accomplishing overall building efficiency 

Project specifics 

• This project received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold rating and we will strive to maintain this on the final two stages of this project
• Installation of cutting edge features, such as free air cooling systems, a green roof, and low energy CRAH units
• A target annualized Power User Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35 will be delivered by the Tier III+ facility
• Considerable cost savings and efficiencies realized for the client
• Program delivery on time and on budget, in what was a highly complex project