Denver, Colorado (August 2, 2022) - Data center owners are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions for their facilities. PCL Construction expert Rodolfo Bitar, business development manager for solar, alongside a data center expert, recently shared the role of solar power in building future data centers on an episode of ENR’s Critical Path Podcast. 

Key takeaways include: 

• Sustainability has increasingly become a focus in data center construction. Today, a medium-sized data center uses 15 megawatts of power and more water than two 18-hole golf courses. Clients and contractors are working together to minimize carbon emissions and water usage.
  
• The growth of the digital economy is causing a surge in demand. It’s estimated that the number of online devices will reach 29 billion in 2030, up from 18 billion in 2018. Everything from streaming Netflix to posting on social media requires data center storage.
  
• The U.S. is one of the biggest markets for data centers, making up about 1/3 of global data center construction. Texas has become a hub for bitcoin miners, who require data centers for their work. Not only does Texas have plenty of space to construct new data centers, its endless supply of sunshine creates an opportunity to build solar-powered data centers.
  
• When talking about sustainability, it’s also important to look at options for retrofitting projects. Retrofitting a data center will most likely be a greener option than building a new one from the ground up. 
  
• Many tech companies refresh their data centers every five years to ensure they’re using the most efficient technology. 

Tune in to learn more about PCL’s strategies for building data centers on the cutting edge of sustainability, and the benefits of working with a construction partner with broad sector experience.