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Connect | Madrid // DCD>ESG Forum

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  • 6th Floor
  • Energy & Sustainability
  • Invite-only Session
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Speakers

Janis Strelits-Strele

CEO, Smart Cooling

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Janis Strelits-Strele

CEO, Smart Cooling

As the CEO of Smart Cooling, Janis Strelits-Strele has pioneered significant advancements in adiabatic pre-cooling technology, emphasizing sustainable solutions in data center operations. Under his leadership, Smart Cooling has transformed from a concept into a globally recognized entity, partnering with industry giants like Johnson Controls, Trane, Daikin, and Carrier to integrate Smart Cooling technology directly into air-cooled chillers.

Janis co-founded Smart Cooling 2010 and led it through its initial stages to its current international prominence. His strategic vision focuses not only on technological innovation but also on the operational sustainability of data centers. Under his guidance, Smart Cooling technologies have been implemented in major data centers around the world, contributing to their operational efficiency and helping them achieve significant environmental certifications, including LEED Gold certification for some of the most energy-efficient data centers globally.

A notable aspect of his approach includes the utilization of rainwater harvesting to enhance cooling efficiency, reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability. This innovative method has set new standards in the industry, showcasing how natural resources can be effectively used to reduce energy consumption.

Janis’s expertise and hands-on approach in navigating complex partnerships and technological integrations have positioned Smart Cooling as a leader in the field, known for its ability to maintain critical cooling operations within safe temperature thresholds, even in extreme conditions. His work not only enhances the reliability and efficiency of data centers but also aligns with broader environmental goals, making a significant impact on the industry’s move towards sustainable operations.

Through continued innovation and strategic partnerships, Janis aims to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cooling technology, driving Smart Cooling to new heights and continuing to make a significant impact on global energy efficiency standards.

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Thomas de Colle

Thomas de Colle

Head of Design & Construction South Europe, Data4

David Blázquez

Head of Public Policy Infrastructure Iberia, AWS

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David Blázquez

Head of Public Policy Infrastructure Iberia, AWS

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DCD>Fireside Chat: Ni Madrid ni Barcelona, Aragón como enclave de referencia en data centers

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  • Main Stage
  • Markets & Investment
  • Open Session
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Lex Coors

President, The European Data Centre Association (EUDCA)

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Lex Coors

President, The European Data Centre Association (EUDCA)

Lex Coors is a prominent leader in sustainable data center infrastructure, recognized as the "spiritual father" of modular data center design since 1999. This pioneering approach, introduced during his tenure at Interxion and later Digital Realty, has set a standard for scalable, energy-efficient data centers, significantly influencing industry norms. Over his 30-year career, Lex has overseen the development of over 70 data centers, amounting to approximately 600,000 m² of gross space across Western Europe and Africa.

As President of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) and a key figure in the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, Lex advocates for carbon neutrality by 2030, emphasizing renewable energy, cooling innovations, and resource-efficient design. His work as Chief Data Center Technology and Engineering Officer at Digital Realty further underscores his commitment to environmental stewardship and technological advancement. Lex is also involved with the European Union’s SMR workgroup and Hydrogen Alliance, focusing on sustainable power solutions.

In addition to his industry contributions, Lex serves as a visiting professor at the University of East London, where he shares his insights on sustainability and energy efficiency in digital infrastructure. His influence extends to advisory roles in key organizations, including the iMasons Climate Accord, where he promotes the decarbonization of digital infrastructure on a global scale.

Lex’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned him numerous accolades besides 4 lifetime contribution to the industry awards, including the iMasons’ Technology Champion award, reflecting his long-standing dedication to a more resilient, environmentally responsible data center industry.

Most recently, Lex published We Are AI: Embracing Human-AI Synergy, which emphasizes the risks associated with unchecked advancements in AI systems. He argues that as AI becomes more sophisticated, the potential for unintended consequences and misalignment with human values increases. By advocating for a strategic leap into the seventh wave, Lex highlights the importance of mitigating these risks while leveraging AI's potential to enhance human capabilities.

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David Watkins

Solutions Director, VIRTUS Data Centres

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David Watkins

Solutions Director, VIRTUS Data Centres

David Watkins is the Solutions Director at VIRTUS Data Centres, heading up the Solutions Team working with customers to provide customised solutions. He has been at VIRTUS since 2009, where he has previously held the roles of Service Delivery Director and Head of Operations. David has a technical and commercial background and can often be found speaking about sustainability at Data Centre industry events as well as authoring articles on the topic, which he is passionate and knowledgeable about.

Prior to joining VIRTUS, David spent more than 15 years at Unisys. His last role with the company was Head of Data Centres UKMEA.

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Amparo Garcia Puente

Senior Development Manager, CyrusOne

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Amparo Garcia Puente

Senior Development Manager, CyrusOne

In her role as a Senior Development Manager, Amparo Garcia Puente is responsible for managing construction projects with a key emphasis on mission-critical MEP Systems at CyrusOne MAD 1. Amparo joined CyrusOne from JLL in October last year, ahead of the ground breaking ceremony of MAD 1, CyrusOne’s first facility in the Spanish market.

Amparo has over 10-years’ experience in Project Management positions, with her combined skill set, she is uniquely positioned to lead design, construction, project management and commissioning of new developments. This includes negotiating with contractors, stakeholders and adhering to health and safety standards. Additionally, she has the skill set to communicate in a variety languages, both native speaking in French and Spanish, bilingual in English and speaks basic Portuguese.

Amparo is a key driving force to CyrusOne, in ensuring that our supply chain, design, construction and project management is world-class and aligned to a sustainable digital future.

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  • 3rd Floor
  • Design & Construction
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Jorge Manuel Ferreira Peças

Critical Environment Manager - Data Center Operations, Data4

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Jorge Manuel Ferreira Peças

Critical Environment Manager - Data Center Operations, Data4

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Related sessions:

DCD>Debate: Alta densidad en data centers - ¿Facilitando o desafiando una estrategia de eficiencia energética?

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  • 3rd Floor
  • Power & Cooling
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Srdjan Jovanovic

Srdjan Jovanovic

Leading Data center cooling expert, Enel PS

Sarah Peterson

Managing Director, Clear Sustainability

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Sarah Peterson

Managing Director, Clear Sustainability

Sarah is a regulatory and policy expert with over 20 years’ experience as a lobbyist and attorney in Washington DC, Texas, and the UK. She began her career as a lobbyist and campaign advisor in Washington D.C and Austin.  As an attorney, she gained experience working for firms and inhouse, with experience in both litigation and transactions.  Now based in the UK, she advises multinational companies on sustainability regulations and compliance in the digital infrastructure space globally. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of Toledo, a JD from Southern Methodist Dedman School of Law, and is currently pursuing a MS in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex.  She lives with her family outside London with frequent travel to the US.

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Christian Goldsmith

Arcadis Data Centers Global Solutions Lead, Arcadis

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Christian Goldsmith

Arcadis Data Centers Global Solutions Lead, Arcadis

Christian is a Senior Programme Director in the Data Center Sector at Arcadis, specialising in Delivery Solutions globally. With over 20 years of experience, Christian has honed expertise in Business and Programme Leadership across various sectors including Technology, Infrastructure, Pharmaceutical, and more.

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09h45 - 10h15

Keynote presentation: The next generation of data centers in Europe – Can we keep the lights on?

Speaker: Lex Coors, President & Policy Committee Chair, European Data Centre Association; Board Member, Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact; Chief Datacenter Technology and Engineering Officer, Digital Realty.

Data center demand is exploding, but where will the energy come from? Grid capacity is stretched, sustainability targets are tightening, and efficiency is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the only way forward. Meanwhile, global AI superpowers are accelerating. Some nations are racing ahead, securing energy dominance to fuel their AI ambitions. Where does that leave Europe? Can we balance growth, sustainability, and energy security while staying competitive in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape?

Please join Prof. Lex Coors, Chief Data Center Technology & Engineering Officer at Digital Realty & President of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), as he unpacks the energy crisis behind the digital boom.

10h15 - 11h00

DCD>Panel: Cooling vs. efficiency - Are we winning the sustainability battle?

Speaker: Janis Strelits-Strele, CEO, Smart Cooling; Jorge Manuel Ferreira Peças, Critical Environment Manager - Data Center Operations, Data4; David Watkins, Solutions Director, Virtus Data Centers; Srdjan Jovanovic, Leading Data Center Cooling Expert, Enel PS.

This panel explores the evolving challenge of balancing cooling demands with energy efficiency, crucial for sustainable data center operations. As data storage and processing needs expand, the scale and complexity of cooling infrastructure have similarly grown, leading to unprecedented volumes of cooling equipment. This surge often generates additional heat, potentially leading to equipment failures or performance issues not anticipated in original designs. Our experts will discuss how modern data centers can navigate these challenges, implementing cooling solutions that not only manage the immense heat generated by high-performance infrastructures but also adapt to the increased thermal loads without compromising on efficiency.

The discussion will delve into the trade-offs between cooling performance and operational efficiency. Panelists will evaluate whether current cooling strategies sufficiently address both the sustainability objectives of data centers and the escalating demands of technological advancements. Insights will be shared on innovative approaches to mitigate the risks associated with large-scale cooling systems, ensuring data centers can achieve a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

This conversation aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of data center cooling and provide actionable strategies to enhance system reliability and efficiency amidst growing operational demands.

11h00 - 11h30

Coffee Break

11h30 - 12h00

Keynote presentation: The current regulatory environment and what this means for European developers, operators, and investors working with US companies

Speaker: Sarah Peterson, Managing Director, Clear Sustainability.

This session will examine the current regulatory landscape and its direct impact on European stakeholders in the data center sector who operate or partner with U.S. companies. Legal challenges, opportunities for regulatory alignment, and key factors for secure and efficient transatlantic collaboration will be explored.

12h00 - 12h45

DCD>Panel: How can ESG take center stage in Southern Europe's data center industry and be translated into tangible actions?

Speakers: Thomas De Colle, Head of Design & Construction South Europe, Data4; David Blázquez, Head of Public Policies Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability Iberia, AWS; Christian Goldsmith, Data Center Global Solutions Lead, Arcadis; Amparo Garcia Puente, Senior Development Manager, CyrusOne.

This panel will explore how ESG can shape the future of data centers in Southern Europe, focusing on reducing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and enhancing governance.

Experts will discuss key trends driving sustainable data centers, such as the shift to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction. They will share practical insights on implementing ESG initiatives, including energy optimization, circular economy practices, and compliance with regulations.

The discussion will also cover the social and governance aspects of ESG, such as workplace diversity, community engagement, and ethical practices in data center operations.

Attendees will gain actionable strategies for integrating ESG principles into their investments and operations, aligning with global sustainability goals and meeting the growing expectations of socially-conscious investors and customers.