COUNTRY FOCUS : FRANCE

With organisations feeling the pressure of the digital business boom brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic , countries across Europe are revising their technology strategies to keep up with demand and compete with others across the region . With a focus on France , we explore how Equinix plans to utilise the rooftop of its new Parisian data centre to fulfil its sustainability goals , more specifically to house a greenhouse in which fruit and veg will be grown . We also hear how Atos has developed a video system for the future surveillance aircraft of France ’ s Navy .

Panoramic view of Paris , from the roof of the Triumphal

It will provide global and local businesses and partners alike with the ability to connect directly and securely to the world ' s digital economy , via comprehensive digital ecosystems .

Multiple sustainability initiatives are planned for PA10 , including a heat recovery technology project to recover energy from customer equipment and transfer it to the urban heating network , and in turn , heat the local community swimming pool .

The rooftop of the new site will be home to a greenhouse of 430 m ² in which fruit and vegetables will be grown . A hydroponic system aims to reduce water consumption by using a water recovery system and only irrigating the cultivated areas . The greenhouse will also utilise the heat recovery technology in place at PA10 . The rooftop garden will help retain rainwater and reduce the amount of water directed to the sewer , in addition to reducing waste heat emissions .

“ For a long time , the digital revolution has been seen as the cause of change in society ,” said Régis Castagné , Managing Director for France at Equinix . “ Its importance during the pandemic is an illustration of this : not only did it allow us to continue to work , learn , or be entertained , but it was also essential

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