How Derek McFarlane Delivers Infrastructure with Purpose at GreenScale
Our ambition to lead in cloud and AI-ready, sustainable digital infrastructure depends on disciplined execution. As Vice President for Development Delivery, Derek McFarlane ensures that programmes, partners and practices are handled in a way that ensures projects are completed on time, safely and to specification.
Backed by more than 35 years’ experience across healthcare, transport, energy and commercial real estate, Derek has found his niche in mission-critical project delivery. With his career spanning senior roles at major construction companies such as Multiplex and Soben, all supported by his accreditation as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), Derek has obtained a solid reputation for delivering sustainable, high-performance infrastructure both quickly and at scale.
All of these experiences have advanced a belief that responsible mission-critical developments can shape and strengthen communities. Having seen airports, hospitals and other critical projects bring modern services and skilled jobs, he highlights the pride that comes from a sense of shared purpose. “The sense of collective achievement when the broader community is invested in what I’ve helped build really drives me,” says Derek. “With data centres serving as the backbone of modern life, I saw the same chance to pursue that same sense of collective achievement here, making it feel like a logical progression for me.”
In taking on this new challenge, Derek has at all times sought to create facilities that meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s communities, namely by minimising environmental impact. By focusing on choices that enhance performance and sustainability — from modular construction that speeds up delivery to closed-loop cooling that reduces water use — Derek seeks to advance renewable integration as not just a power source but a means to strengthen local grids.
Ultimately, his ambition is to leave projects that communities can be proud of, all while setting new standards for high-performance data centres, values that ideally align with ours. In Derek’s own words, “If the work I lead at GreenScale helps set new standards and shows that it’s possible to deliver at pace, all while protecting people, communities, and the planet, then I’ll feel I’ve made a meaningful contribution.”
Partner with Derek’s Team on Your Next Build
Connect with us today to discuss how our delivery framework, supplier engagement and advanced cooling and renewable strategies can help you in developing sustainable, AI-ready infrastructure.