Data centers, and every facility that relies on backup generators such as hospitals, towers, factories and hotels, have an environmental footprint that is easy to overlook because generators only run during tests or emergencies. Behind them, though, are fuel tanks that can leak, emissions and noise at every start, large cooling systems running on controlled gases, and batteries and oils that need lawful disposal. This article brings together the environmental requirements for data centers and backup generators under the Environment Law's regulations and the Waste Management Law.
Generators are part of the facility's environmental file
The Environmental Permits Regulation applies to every activity with an environmental impact, and "energy used" and the type and size of the activity are among its classification criteria. The number and capacity of generators and fuel tanks therefore belong in the activity description in the classification form and the environmental management plan, and adding generators or tanks after the permit may change the size of the activity and need review.
The four environmental aspects
1. Fuel tanks
- Bunds or double walls that hold any leak.
- Regular, documented inspection of tanks and pipework.
- Spill kits near filling points.
- The soil regulation requires appropriate measures to prevent soil contamination and prohibits failing to notify NCEC immediately when contamination is detected.
2. Emissions
Generator exhaust is a combustion emission. The Air Quality Regulation requires operators of stationary sources to maintain machinery and pollution controls regularly, notify NCEC immediately of emergencies or start-ups and temporary shutdowns that may exceed emission standards, and keep operation, malfunction and maintenance records for at least five years. What measurements your generators specifically need depends on your facility's permit and how its sources are treated under the regulation.
3. Noise
A generator in a building inside a residential area can easily exceed the limits. The Noise Regulation sets residential limits starting at 50 dB by day and 40 dB at night, commercial areas at 65 dB by day and 55 at night, and industrial areas at 70 by day and 65 at night at the boundary. Night is 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., so scheduling generator tests during the day and fitting silencers and barriers are simple ways to avoid complaints.
4. Cooling systems
Data centers are among the largest users of cooling systems, and refrigerants are regulated by the Implementing Regulation for Ozone-Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons, which provides that:
- Controlled substances may not be used or stored, including in new or existing facilities, without an NCEC permit.
- Anyone repairing or servicing equipment containing them needs an NCEC license or permit and must use recovery equipment rather than releasing them to the environment.
- Controlled substances and equipment may not be disposed of without NCEC approval.
- Anyone carrying out an activity using these substances submits semi-annual statements of quantities imported, sold, stored, used and disposed of.
So make sure your cooling maintenance contractor is licensed and that gas is recovered, not vented.
Associated waste
- Generator oil and filters: hazardous waste handed to a carrier licensed by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN).
- UPS batteries: collected separately and handed to a licensed party.
- Replaced electronics: servers and network devices handed to a licensed recycler after data wiping.
The Waste Management Law makes anyone who deposits waste with an unlicensed party jointly liable for damages.
What to document
- Run hours of each generator (tests and emergencies) and fuel consumption.
- Maintenance of generators, exhaust systems and tanks.
- Cooling system maintenance, quantities of gas added or recovered, and the licensed contractor's name.
- Handover documents for oil, batteries and devices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Backup Generators and Data Centers
Does a backup generator need a separate permit?
It is usually managed within the facility's environmental file, but the number and capacity of generators and fuel tanks are part of the activity assessment and permit conditions.
Is testing a generator at night a problem?
It may exceed night-time noise limits in residential areas (40 to 50 dB depending on density), so daytime testing is better.
Who should service cooling systems?
A party licensed or permitted by NCEC that uses gas recovery equipment and does not vent to the environment.
What should be documented?
Run hours, maintenance, fuel consumption, cooling maintenance and gas quantities, and handover documents for oil and batteries, which are requested at inspection and in compliance reports.
How Abak Green helps
We review your facility's generators, fuel tanks and cooling systems, include them in your environmental management plan and records, coordinate noise and emission measurements when needed, and verify the licenses of maintenance contractors and carriers. Contact us about your facility's generators.
