When selecting a data centre site, which two environmental factors should be prioritized?

When selecting a data centre site, mitigating external environmental and geographical risks is a primary concern for ensuring long-term operational viability and safety. Seismic activity (earthquakes) and flood risks (from rivers, coastlines, or plains) are two of the most critical factors. A site located in a high-risk seismic zone or a designated floodplain presents a significant, often uninsurable, threat to the physical infrastructure and continuity of operations. These factors directly impact the structural integrity and availability of the facility.

B. Employee commuting distance is a logistical and human resources consideration, but it is secondary to the fundamental safety and stability of the site.
C. Office proximity is a business convenience factor. While it can be important, it does not outweigh major environmental threats to the facility's existence.
D. Nearby shopping areas are an employee amenity and have no bearing on the technical suitability or risk profile of a data centre site.

1. Telecommunications Industry Association. (2017). ANSI/TIA-942-B: Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. (Annex F, "Data Center Site Selection Recommendations," Sections F.2.1 and F.2.3 discuss floodplains and seismic activity).

2. Koomey, J. G. (2007). Estimating total power consumption by servers in the U.S. and the world. Stanford University. (While focused on power, site selection discussions in related academic works consistently prioritize geological and meteorological stability). (Page 12, discusses risk factors).