Green facades for data centres: enhancing sustainability and performance 

As data centres expand rapidly in scale and energy demand, the call for sustainable building strategies is stronger than ever. One of the most effective and visually integrated solutions is the use of green facades for data centres, also known in some cases as living walls.. These systems improve energy efficiency, contribute to biodiversity, reduce urban heat impact and support compliance with EU environmental regulations. 

This article outlines the technical, environmental and architectural benefits of green façade systems tailored to the needs of high-performance data centre facilities. 

The role of green facades for data centres 

Data centres face increasing scrutiny from governments, investors and surrounding communities to reduce carbon emissions and increase ecological responsibility. In this context, green facades for data centres are not just a visual enhancement, but a multi-functional envelope strategy with measurable returns. 

Key benefits of green facades for data centres include: 

• • Thermal performance
    Plant coverage reduces solar gain and surface temperatures, easing the cooling burden on mechanical systems and improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). 

• • Noise mitigation
    Vegetation absorbs and deflects noise from generators, HVAC and other mechanical components, enhancing external sound insulation. 

• • Biodiversity support
    Living walls can be designed to support pollinators, birds and local flora, strengthening on-site ecological value and contributing to biodiversity net gain. 

• • Aesthetic and social value
    Greening industrial façades helps integrate data centres into their urban or rural surroundings, often improving public perception and reducing opposition during permitting. 

• • Regulatory compliance
    Green façades support alignment with EU Green Deal targets, zoning mandates and ESG frameworks, and may contribute to green building certifications such as BREEAM or LEED. 

Technical considerations for green façades on data centres 

1.) Substrate type and plant selection 

The selection of a substrate such as mineral wool, foam or soil influences both plant viability and insulation performance. Soil-based systems like WallPlanter enable deep-rooted vegetation that delivers robust ecological impact and strong year-round coverage. Modular cassette systems like MobiPanel, which include integrated irrigation and are lighter in weight, are ideal for façade retrofits or where load constraints exist. 

Plant species should be chosen based on:

– Drought tolerance
– Wind resistance
– Local ecological value
– Maintenance requirements 

2.) Mounting systems and structural compatibility 

Facade greening systems must integrate cleanly with insulated sandwich panels, rainscreens or concrete cladding without compromising envelope integrity. MobiPanel is engineered for direct installation onto most sandwich panels, removing the need for secondary substructures and reducing build complexity. 

Where depth allows, systems like WallPlanter can be offset from the façade by up to 30 cm to allow ventilation and enhance plant resilience. 

3.) Fire safety and wind certification 

Data centres operate under mission-critical conditions where safety compliance is non-negotiable. All living wall components must be certified to:

– EN 13501-1 fire classification
– Local and regional wind-load standards
– Corrosion resistance for irrigation and fasteners 

Both WallPlanter and MobiPanel have undergone independent fire testing and wind performance analysis, making them suitable for high-risk, high-reliability facilities. 

4.) Irrigation and lifecycle maintenance 

Efficient irrigation is essential to plant health and system sustainability. MobiPanel integrates smart irrigation to minimise water consumption, offering the most water-efficient solution in its class. Maintenance protocols must allow for non-intrusive access, particularly on façades adjacent to server halls or secure zones. 

We support operators with standardised O&M plans and guidance for annual inspections, plant refresh cycles and seasonal adjustments. 

Environmental compliance and European regulations 

European environmental policies, including the EU Green Deal, Biodiversity Strategy, and various local Urban Greening mandates, now directly affect data centre permitting and planning. 

Green façades and living walls help developers meet: 

• • Urban greening factors and zoning overlays

• • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) targets

• • Air quality and microclimate mitigation requirements

• • ESG reporting metrics for infrastructure portfolios

In jurisdictions where planning approval is conditional on environmental contribution, façade greening can be a decisive compliance strategy. 

WallPlanter and MobiPanel: two proven systems 

WallPlanter – soil-based green facade system

• • Deep-rooted planting for greater ecological value and resilience

• • Natural substrate supports diverse species and pollinators

• • Optional façade offset (30 cm) enhances airflow and planting depth

• • Ideal for biodiversity-focused projects and dense vertical coverage

• • Fire-rated and wind-tested, suitable for critical infrastructure zones

MobiPanel – lightweight living wall cassette system

• • Fast installation on sandwich panel and concrete façades

• • Integrated smart irrigation for minimal water use

• • The most water-efficient system in its category

• • Modular and scalable, suited to both small and full-elevation applications

• • Fire-rated and wind-certified, with robust system documentation

Why data centres should choose green facades 

Meet us at DCD Connect London

We’re showcasing our green façade and living wall solutions at DCD Connect London 2025, the leading event for data centre design and innovation. Visit our stand to explore how our green facades for data centres can help meet your sustainability, compliance and operational goals.

Looking for advice on green solutions? We’re happy to think along with you.

Submit your details and our specialists will contact you to provide technical guidance or discuss your project needs.

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