Can Data Centers Ditch Concrete – or Just Use Less of It?
Data center developers face pressure to accelerate construction for AI infrastructure while also reducing the embodied carbon in their builds. Concrete, a material crucial for foundations and high-density compute areas, presents a significant challenge due to its high carbon footprint and structural requirements. While alternatives like mass timber and low-carbon concrete mixes are being explored for non-critical areas and retrofits, conventional concrete remains the default for core structures housing high-density AI workloads due to its reliability and ability to meet stringent performance standards. AI
IMPACT Data center construction must adapt to the demands of AI infrastructure, balancing speed and sustainability.