Green internet hub planned for Manchester

A purpose-built internet hosting and exchange facility that aims to keep carbon emissions to a minimum is set to be built in Manchester.

As well as generating some of its own renewable energy, the new venture will also re-use heat generated by the server computers.

The project is set to be built by developer Ask:Goodman in partnership with internet hosting firm UKFast.net and Manchester City Council and aims to be operational in the second half of 2008.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Manchester's executive councillor for the environment, said: "This is exactly the sort of development we want to encourage, building on Manchester's enviable track record in developing digital industries, while leading the way in building greener sustainable cities."

Dave Carter, head of the Manchester Digital Development Agency, added: "Manchester is already the UK's second hub for Internet traffic, and this facility will help satisfy the massive demand for capacity in the city, as well as being the first significant step to a greener internet."

According to figures published by IT energy expert Jonathan Koomey earlier this year, the electricity used by internet hosting facilities and data centres accounts for 0.8 per cent of global electricity consumption. ADNFCR-1231-ID-18406734-ADNFCR