GoKawiilMass timber is one way to offset the environmental downsides of a data center, but it could also be a way to build them faster. In a greenfield industrial park in rural Aiken County, South Carolina, Meta is building a new $800 million data center that’s much like any of the other hyperscale data centers giant tech companies are scrambling to construct. Set on 300 acres with two massive data halls making up most of its 715,000 square feet of buildings, it’s the kind of gargantuan facility that has become the de facto built form of the race to harness the lucrative power of artificial intelligence.
Why Meta is building its high-tech South Carolina data center with an old-school material
Why This Matters
Meta's use of mass timber in constructing its South Carolina data center highlights innovative sustainable building practices in the tech industry, potentially reducing environmental impact and construction time. This approach signals a shift towards greener infrastructure for hyperscale data centers, which are critical for supporting AI advancements. For consumers and the industry alike, it underscores a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in data center development.
Key Takeaways
- Meta employs mass timber to reduce environmental impact.
- The new data center emphasizes faster, sustainable construction methods.
- This development reflects a broader industry shift towards greener data infrastructure.
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