How Smarter Pipe-Joining Accelerates Sustainable Data Centre Growth

The explosive growth of AI and cloud computing is fuelling an unprecedented demand for data centre construction. But with tight deadlines, labour shortages, and increasing pressure to build sustainably, the industry faces a critical bottleneck. How can we accelerate project timelines while ensuring long-term efficiency and environmental responsibility?

Branden Kotyk, general manager – EMEA at Victaulic, argues that innovative mechanical pipe-joining solutions are key to unlocking rapid deployment and sustainable growth in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Rethinking cooling system pipework installation

Data centres demand speed, precision, and adaptability in every aspect of construction, including cooling infrastructure. Traditionally, contractors have relied on welding to assemble mission-critical cooling pipework. While familiar, welding can introduce time delays, labour bottlenecks, and rework risks – challenges that are counterproductive in today’s high-pressure data centre build schedules.

Switching to grooved mechanical pipe-joining offers a faster, safer, and more flexible alternative for installing cooling system pipework. The challenge is that it requires industry professionals to rethink long-established methods. While it may not be possible to compare costs line by line, the benefits quickly become clear. Mechanical joints can be installed up to ten times faster than welded systems, significantly reducing project timelines. Unlike welding, which requires certified professionals, mechanical couplings allow for smaller crews and less training, easing the burden of skilled labour shortages. They also provide greater flexibility during installation – an important advantage given that data centre projects may not be built exactly as planned. If adjustments or reconfigurations are needed, mechanical systems allow for easy modifications without cutting, grinding, or costly rework.

Beyond efficiency, safety is another key factor. Welding brings heat, sparks, and fumes, all of which add risks, compliance requirements, and potential downtime. Mechanical systems eliminate these hazards while ensuring a secure, high-performance connection. Once contractors experience these benefits in real-world data centre projects, they begin to integrate Victaulic solutions across their builds. However, industry-wide change takes time.

Beyond efficiency, safety is another key factor. Welding brings heat, sparks, and fumes, all of which add risks, compliance requirements, and potential downtime. Mechanical systems eliminate these hazards while ensuring a secure, high-performance connection. Once contractors experience these benefits in real-world data centre projects, they begin to integrate Victaulic solutions across their builds. However, industry-wide change takes time.

Addressing skilled labour shortages

The surge in data centre construction has placed immense pressure on the industry to deliver projects faster, yet the availability of skilled labour – particularly certified welders – continues to decline. The European Welding Federation reports a shortage of around 300,000 qualified welders across Europe, while in the US, the American Welding Society notes that the average welder is now 57 years old. With demand for data centres skyrocketing, the industry cannot afford to be constrained by labour-intensive methods.

Grooved mechanical pipe-joining presents a way forward by significantly improving productivity while reducing reliance on specialist skills. Without the need for welding, installation speeds can be up to ten times faster, allowing projects to stay on schedule even with smaller crews. This shift not only addresses the immediate labour challenge but also enhances overall project efficiency by simplifying installation, reducing jobsite risks, and minimising delays caused by bottlenecks in skilled labour availability.

However, the key to widespread adoption lies in awareness and education. Victaulic is committed to equipping construction professionals with the knowledge and skills to maximise the benefits of mechanical pipe-joining. In 2025, we are expanding hands-on training at our facilities, at client locations, and on-site, as well as broadening access to online learning through Victaulic University. By collaborating with industry organisations such as CIBSE, we ensure that our training aligns with industry standards and provides valuable certifications. Whether online or face-to-face, these sessions help professionals build confidence in new methodologies, ultimately driving a more efficient and resilient data centre construction sector.

Sustainability across the entire data centre lifecycle

Sustainability in data centre construction isn’t just about choosing greener materials – it requires a fundamental shift in how infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained. From embodied carbon in materials to long-term adaptability, every decision impacts a facility’s environmental footprint. The industry must move beyond short-term fixes and embrace circular, low-waste solutions that align with both business goals and climate targets.

Victaulic’s approach to pipe joining inherently supports this shift. By eliminating the emissions, energy consumption, and material waste associated with welding, our mechanical systems help data centre projects meet sustainability objectives without compromising performance. Up to 98% of our product material is recycled, making it a strong choice from an embodied carbon perspective. More importantly, our solutions are modular and fully reconfigurable, allowing for reuse rather than disposal – an essential factor as data centre operators adapt their facilities to evolving technology needs. At the end of their lifecycle, our components can be fully recycled, reinforcing a truly circular approach to MEP construction.

Recognition, such as winning the CIBSE UAE “Embodied Carbon Initiative of the Year – Manufacturers and Suppliers” award in 2024, confirms that our approach is making a measurable impact. But true progress requires industry-wide collaboration. Achieving sustainability at scale means integrating circular economy principles from the start – rethinking design, selecting materials with longevity in mind, and planning for reuse at every stage. By continuing to innovate and educate, Victaulic is helping data centre stakeholders build not just faster and smarter, but with a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.

Innovating for speed, efficiency, and sustainability

For more than a century, Victaulic has been at the forefront of innovation in pipe-joining technology, helping industries rethink how they build. Today, as data centres race to expand capacity while balancing speed, efficiency, and sustainability, the need for smarter construction methods has never been greater.

Adopting new approaches requires a shift in mindset, but the benefits are undeniable. Those who embrace mechanical pipe-joining gain a competitive edge – delivering projects faster, mitigating labour shortages, and reducing environmental impact. The data centre sector cannot afford to rely on traditional methods when solutions exist to build more intelligently. By challenging convention and investing in scalable, future-proof construction techniques, the industry can meet surging demand while ensuring long-term resilience.

The choice is clear: those who rethink their approach today will be the ones leading data centre growth tomorrow.

 

ABOUT VICTAULIC

Since 1919, Victaulic’s pipe joining and flow control solutions have optimized construction productivity and reduced risk, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time and within budget. Driven by a spirit of continuous innovation, Victaulic’s portfolio of 100,000+ products and patented technologies promote freedom of design, as well as simplified inspection and maintenance for the life of any system.

With more than 5,500 employees and 55 international facilities, Victaulic helps customers in over 140 countries succeed in the global construction industry. From the tallest buildings to the deepest mines, customers trust our products to increase overall system durability in the most demanding construction projects and operating conditions. Learn more about how our innovative piping products and design services can engineer confidence into your build at www.victaulic.com.

For further information please visithttps://www.victaulic.com/mission-critical/data-centers/ or contact Viceuro@victaulic.com./ +441438310690

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