London-based Virtus Data Centres is constructing a new Tier III data center in the west of the city for colocation that will use new cooling technology to reduce its power usage effectiveness (PUE) to less than 1.2.

It has already started work on LONDON2 at a site in Hayes that has 20MVA of power secured for its 11.4MW data center

The build will be delivered to market in 2014 and will have 65,000 sq ft of net customer space in six data halls as well as office space, meeting facilities and board rooms.

Virtus CEO Neil Cresswell said he believes the data center will be one of the most advanced in the UK when complete, with new fresh-air, evaporative cooling technology used along with solar panels and a design which allows it to use ground water from its own well.

It will also have chimney racks installed for heat extraction as well as a “highly efficient” uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system.

“I am delighted that after a thorough design and planning process we have started construction of one of the most advanced data centers in the UK,” Cresswell said.

“Another advantage of our new data center is its flexibility and the cost efficiencies gained by deploying ultra-high power density cabinets of up to 40kW, which can be clustered or installed next to standard power density cabinets without clients having to invest in costly in-row cooling.”

Virtus said it has chosen to use 100% green power for this new facility, and it will use heat pumps to recirculate heat generated by IT equipment to communal areas, which will also include a cafe.

It said it will also offer new innovative online real-time monitoring dashboards and self- service tools for customers, many of which are service providers, financial services and digital media customers.

Operators in these industry often require strong levels of connectivity and Hayes is a fiber-rich area. Virtus said it plans to offer connections to more than ten carriers, four of which will be Tier 1 for low latency and security.

It will also offer connections to Virtus’ older LONDON1 facility in Enfield.