Green Data Center Design Hackathon 

OVERvIEW

The digital transformation we are experiencing today is generating vast amounts of data—far more than current data centers can accommodate. Additionally, the AI revolution is significantly increasing the demand for data center capacity. Data centers are among the largest consumers of electricity globally, often relying on non-renewable energy sources that significantly impact the environment. In Africa, where the demand for digital infrastructure is rapidly growing, there is an urgent need to rethink data center designs to be more sustainable and energy-efficient.

The Green Data Center Design Hackathon challenges students to innovate and create concepts for eco-friendly data centers tailored to the unique environmental and energy conditions of southern Tunisia (Sahara). Participants will explore ways to minimize environmental impact while supporting the continent's digital growth, focusing on renewable energy, efficient cooling, and sustainable materials. 

Objective 

Participants will create a design of a green data center that focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly technology. The goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of data center design, considering factors such as carbon footprint, resource management, and innovative use of technology. 

Who can Participate? 

The hackathon is open to students from universities, architecture schools, and other educational institutions across all disciplines. We encourage participation from individuals or teams passionate about technology, sustainability, and innovative design. 

Key Focus Areas: 

  1. Energy Efficiency: Solutions that reduce energy consumption, such as advanced cooling systems, efficient power management, and innovative architectural designs. 

  2. Renewable Energy Integration: Concepts that utilize solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources, especially those abundant in Africa, to power the data center. 

  3. Sustainable Materials: Use of eco-friendly and locally sourced materials in construction and design to minimize environmental impact. 

  4. Water and Waste Management: Innovative methods to manage water usage, recycling, and waste reduction within the data center. 

  5. Carbon Neutrality: Strategies to achieve zero carbon emissions through design, technology, and operational efficiencies suitable for the African context. 

  6. Historic Construction: Techniques utilized local materials, natural cooling, and sustainable design adapted to the environment, offering valuable insights for creating energy-efficient and resilient modern buildings. 

Judging Criteria 

  • Innovation & Creativity : Originality and creativity of the concept. 
  • Sustainability Impact : How effectively the design reduces environmental impact. 
  • Data center functionalities : The design doesn’t have to impact the functioning of the Data center and its security. 
  • Feasibility : Practicality and potential for real-world implementation, particularly in southern Tunisia (Sahara). 
  • Technical Excellence : Use of advanced technology, engineering principles, and design elements. 
  • Presentation : Clarity, professionalism, and persuasiveness of the project presentation.  

awards

Participants will create a design of a green data center that focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly technology. The goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of data center design, considering factors such as carbon footprint, resource management, and innovative use of technology. 

1st team

1500 TND

2nd team

900 TND

3rd team

600 TND

TIMELINE

Registration Opens:

18 January 2025.

Submission Deadline:

 20 January 2025.

Judging & Final Presentations:

10 February 2025

Award Ceremony:

During the Africa Data Centers & Cloud Days 2025 event.

How to Register?

The registration is handled by ENAU — L'Ecole Nationale de l'architecture et l'Urbanisme. Sign up and access detailed guidelines. 

JOIN US

Be part of the movement to design the future of sustainable data centers in Africa. Your ideas could help shape a greener digital world!