Circular Economy in Data Centre Construction: Review of Reuse and Retrofit Strategies (UK, Nigeria, USA focus)

The present paper explores the reuse and retrofit solutions as part of furthering the principles of a circular economy in the data centre development and operations in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.  It presents a structured taxonomy covering building envelope adaptations, mechanical–electrical–plumbing (MEP) systems, IT equipment lifecycle management, and digital management approaches. Based on evidence in the international context, this study underscores that adaptive reuse, modular retrofitting, material recovery, refurbishment, virtualization, and circular procurement can be a big contribution to reducing the amount of embodied carbon, increasing the asset lifecycle, and improving operational resilience. Data indicates that adaptive reuse can cut embodied emissions by up to 68%, modular MEP systems accelerate deployment while lowering material waste, and circular IT practices can divert up to 99% of hardware from landfill. Findings underscore that circular strategies, when integrated into design, procurement, and operational decision-making, can transform data centres into low-carbon, resource-efficient infrastructures aligned with global decarbonisation and digital sustainability goals.