COMMUNITY INTELLIGENCE GUIDE

How to evaluate a data center’s local impact

A credible review should move beyond broad promises and ask measurable questions about infrastructure demand, neighborhood effects and who benefits over the life of the facility.

Power and grid capacity

Document projected peak demand, utility upgrades, redundancy strategy, rate implications and how the project may affect reliability or future community needs.

Water and cooling

Compare normal and peak water use, cooling technology, drought exposure, reuse options and public reporting commitments.

Air, noise and emergency systems

Review backup generators, testing schedules, fuel storage, permits, modeled emissions, noise controls and emergency coordination.

Land, safety and public services

Evaluate site access, construction traffic, stormwater, setbacks, hazardous materials, fire response and the demands placed on local agencies.

Jobs, suppliers and public value

Separate temporary construction jobs from permanent roles. Set trackable goals for local hiring, apprenticeship, supplier participation, tax contribution and community investment.