Green data stewards

Keeping the German data center industry up and running is no small task. Housing the data and computer systems we rely on every day not only requires huge amounts of technical skill, but the consequences of even a minor service disruption means that vigilance is needed at all times.

“Every minute of downtime can be a result of considerable costs and data loss,” says Stefan Gewehr, Managing Director and CEO of WISAG.

The company provides facility management and operational services across multiple industries, but Gewehr admits that the data center industry is exceptionally demanding.

“There are many differences compared to other industries such as shopping centers, logistics and classical office buildings,” he says. “Data centers have extremely high requirements in terms of the operational reliability and security standards.”

From humble roots, WISAG has become a major player in the industry.

“WISAG is not just a regular service provider because we started as a very small company almost 60 years ago,” he says. “We are now a company with more than 50,000 employees in Germany. So we have grown a lot, but what has always remained is our family business values.

“We want to achieve a better world and create value for our customers and for our employees.”

Demanding sector

With 23 years of experience at WISAG, Gewehr has a deep understanding of the key factors driving success in this industry. The data center sector, in particular, demands highly skilled personnel capable of delivering consistent and reliable services to customers.

“You must ensure nearly 100 percent availability in this sector, maintaining round-the-clock operations every day of the year,” he explains. “In data centers, emergencies must be resolved quickly – often within minutes or hours.”

He highlights the critical role of a well-trained workforce.

“Having qualified personnel who are excellently trained and able to respond efficiently is one of the most important factors. Without these people, we cannot sustain high service quality or operational reliability,” he points out.

To meet these exacting standards, WISAG goes beyond hiring top talent by focusing heavily on the development of its existing team.

“We must make substantial investments in the training of our employees, enhancing their specialized expertise and continuously raising their qualifications,” Gewehr emphasizes.

WISAG’s investment in employee training supports and enhances the competitive advantages that Gewehr sees as central to the company’s success. One such advantage is its emphasis on predictive and preventive maintenance.

“We’ve implemented predictive maintenance systems that perform repairs precisely when needed, rather than following a time-based schedule,” he says.

“This approach minimizes costs and downtime – critical factors for data centers – while also extending the lifespan of technical components.”

Another standout advantage is WISAG’s adaptable and modular infrastructure, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its clients.

“Our modular and scalable infrastructure allows us to respond quickly to changing capacity requirements,” Gewehr notes. “This flexibility and adaptability are key to meeting the fast-paced demands of the industry.”

Ultimately, WISAG’s most significant competitive edge lies in its ability to offer tailored solutions.

“Our focus is on delivering solutions that work for everyone while prioritizing the specific needs of each client, ensuring they receive fulfilling and customized outcomes,” he says.

Sustainability credentials

Permeating WISAG’s operational approach is its commitment to sustainability. Gewehr explains its strategy, called Vision 2030.

“We want to grow with more sustainability,” he says. “We have to develop a carbon neutral strategy that includes using renewable energy, implementing recovery technology and constructing energy-efficient buildings. To achieve the growth, we will invest more than €450 million [US$472 million] by 2030.”

This has included investment in renewable energy production facilities.

“We bought three wind turbines and wind generators, and we are able to start fulfilling our goals to be carbon neutral this year,” he reveals.

“The wind turbines provide around 30 gigawatt hours of energy, and they cover and produce the current needs of WISAG at all sites in Germany.”

Another key ESG priority for WISAG is improving the energy efficiency of its data centers.

“Data centers produce a significant amount of waste heat, and we need to find ways to address this,” Gewehr explains.

To tackle the issue, WISAG is exploring innovative solutions, such as redirecting excess heat into district heating networks. By partnering with energy providers, the company aims to use this surplus energy to warm homes in local communities, turning a challenge into a benefit for the environment and society.

“All aspects of the data center business must collaborate, sharing ideas and rethinking processes to find better ways of contributing to a sustainable world,” he says.

Future planning

Gewehr foresees more growth on the horizon for the industry as data centers continue to provide the backbone for our modern, digital lives.

“The data center market is increasing very fast because the global data traffic and the energy requirements are also growing,” he says.

At the same time, he sees the industry focusing increasingly on satisfying the intensifying demands for sustainability.

“The regulations on carbon dioxide reduction and the goal of a climate-neutral data center are discussed at every meeting at every summit,” he says.

“I think transparent carbon dioxide reporting and energy reporting systems will become standard. Transparency can create trust and enable the operators to make informed decisions, as well as pursue their own sustainability strategy.”

With AI set to only grow in prominence, Gewehr explains that this, too, will increase the demand for sustainability.

“AI requires four to 10 times the energy consumed by data centers today,” he states. “To address this, we must implement cutting-edge cooling technologies to effectively control and lower temperatures.”

Keeping the passion

The keen focus on sustainability reflects Gewehr’s desire to lead his company to contribute to a better world. He hopes that by embodying these values, he can inspire those that will come next.

“We have a responsibility to contribute and pass on the values we’ve inherited to the next generation,” he insists. “I’ve experienced these values in various situations throughout my life, and for me, it’s essential to transfer them to the younger people I work with.

“One of the core values is demonstrating the utmost respect for the people you work with. You might even call it love – a love for your work, a love for your partners and a love for your customers.”

Gewehr stresses that the success of WISAG is defined by enabling the success of its partners.

“It’s crucial that we work collaboratively with our partners,” he says. “WISAG, in my opinion, is more than just a facility management provider. We are a strong and reliable partner in ensuring the success of our clients.”

He reflects on the company’s remarkable journey.

“We started as a small family business and have grown into a leading force in facility management, all while remaining true to the values that set us apart.”