The project's scale and technical demands required partners capable of providing cutting-edge, energy-efficient, and sustainable solutions. 

As Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus, explains:  

"These are very technically challenging projects, so we need to work with the best in the business to meet those complex challenges. We've been able to work with very good partners, such as Legrand, to deliver for our customers." 

The Sines campus has been designed from the ground up to respond to the demands of artificial intelligence. It aims to achieve an industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.1 and a Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0, utilizing the cooling power of the Atlantic Ocean while operating on 100% renewable energy.

Legrand was selected as a strategic technology partner due to the extensive expertise of its USystems brand - bringing over 18 years of experience in rear door cooling solutions - combined with Legrand’s comprehensive portfolio of data center solutions. 

Start Campus employs a unique seawater-cooling system that recycles water from the Atlantic Ocean without additional consumption, thereby eliminating the need for freshwater. This innovative approach is complemented by standard cooling as a backup, though future buildings will rely exclusively on seawater cooling for even greater efficiency.

Powering Efficiency and Sustainability 

By designing highly efficient products that minimize energy loss, Legrand ensures that "all the energy you don't waste, you don't have to cool." This philosophy aligns perfectly with Start Campus's zero-waste sustainability objectives. 

Lifecycle Partnership and Operational Excellence 

Beyond initial delivery, Legrand's partnership model is based on continuous support, lifecycle management, and proactive maintenance. 

Scott Bailey, Director of USystems, highlights this approach:  

"There are many levels to this — know-how, good maintenance programs, problem-solving, and lifecycle management. Our collaboration does not stop when we do a sale. When we commission, we never walk away; we're here to help, and if they have any problems, we’re at the end of a call." 

This comprehensive lifecycle approach includes knowledge transfer, spare parts management, and predictive issue detection, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

This partnership has strengthened the innovation and sustainability strategies of both companies. 

As Rita Lourenço, Key Account Manager for Critical Power at Legrand, explains:  

"Working with Start Campus has provided us with valuable insights into how data center infrastructure can be optimized for sustainability, efficiency, and scalability. Additionally, Start Campus's forward-thinking approach has helped Legrand redefine the customer service strategy, enabling us to provide more tailored, responsive, and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our joint efforts in creating smarter, more sustainable data center environments reflect our commitment to driving innovation while prioritizing customer satisfaction.” 

The collaboration between Start Campus and Legrand represents a long-term strategic alliance. Future technological developments from Legrand can further enhance data center operations, such as those at Start Campus, driving next-generation, AI-ready, and environmentally responsible data centers. 

As Amélie Zegmout, VP Sales Europe, Legrand Data Centre Solutions, concludes: 

"As an example, our new High-Efficiency Modular Keor FLEX UPS offers the best performance currently possible. It is scalable and will have the capabilities to be used for smart grid services." 

Legrand is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, enabling us to provide more tailored, responsive, and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our collective efforts aim to create smarter, more sustainable data center environments, reflecting our commitment to driving innovation while prioritizing customer satisfaction.