BCS Consultancy, the global data centre consultancy, has today announced the launch of its new Sustainability Service and the appointment of James Rogers Jones as Head of Sustainable Development.
The new service line marks a strategic evolution for BCS, positioning sustainability not as a standalone service, but as a core principle embedded across project management, cost management, commercial advisory and technical delivery. It reflects growing client demand for advisors who can deliver commercially robust outcomes while addressing environmental impact, community expectations and long-term resilience.
James joins BCS with a consultancy background supporting some of the sector’s most influential organisations, including Digital Realty, Google, GreenScale and AtlasEdge. His work has focused on strategy, compliance and operational sustainability, supporting clients to improve efficiency and deliver measurable value across complex portfolios.
“Data centres underpin our modern economy and are one of the most impactful industries in the world. These assets can deliver enormous value to both clients and the communities they serve,” said James Rogers Jones, Head of Sustainable Development, BCS Consultancy. “Sustainability should no longer be framed primarily around ESG signalling or long-term carbon targets. Instead, it is increasingly becoming linked to energy security, price stability and operational resilience.”
The new Sustainable Development Service will focus on supporting BCS clients with long-term decision-making, including data centre roadmaps, portfolio strategies, sustainability frameworks and policy advisory. It will also respond to increasing external pressures on development, as community opposition and project cancellations rise across key markets.
As highlighted in the upcoming BCS 2026 Data Centre Trends Report communities are asking data centre operators for more than just renewable power before granting a social license to operate. Communities expect developers to address specific quality of life impacts and concerns, like water usage and local electricity prices. To succeed, data centres need to bridge this narrative gap and move beyond carbon goals to prove their value as responsible local partners.
Embedding sustainability across delivery
The launch of the Sustainability Service forms part of BCS’ wider evolution as it supports clients through the AI era and the next phase of global digital infrastructure growth. The new service line reflects BCS’ wider philosophy that sustainability, when delivered properly, is not an added cost but a driver of long-term value for both clients and communities.
“Our clients are facing increasingly complex challenges from power constraints and planning risk to community scrutiny and long-term resilience. They need a simpler way to achieve their sustainability goals with project managers, cost managers and technical experts who understand sustainability and can deliver outcomes as part of their day job,” said Chris Coward, Chief Operating Officer, BCS Consultancy.
“The launch of our Sustainability Service is about delivering better outcomes and aligns with how our clients expect us to operate. James brings both credibility and clarity of thinking, and his appointment strengthens our ability to support responsible, long-term decision-making across the entire lifecycle.”
