What Is a Data Center?
A data center is a facility that houses computer systems and related infrastructure—servers, networking, storage, power, and cooling—for digital services ranging from websites and cloud storage to emergency systems and government IT. [Wikipedia: Data center]
Myth vs. Fact: Data Centers vs. Crypto/Bitcoin Mines
Myth: All “data centers” moving into towns are just bitcoin/crypto mines.
Fact: Data centers support diverse computing for public/private needs (health, cloud, finance, research, etc.) and are subject to building codes, security, fire protection, and utility regulation.
Bitcoin/crypto mining runs specialized hardware solely for generating cryptocurrency and is often less regulated. [ULI 2024 White Paper, p.7–8 (PDF)]
Bitcoin/crypto mining runs specialized hardware solely for generating cryptocurrency and is often less regulated. [ULI 2024 White Paper, p.7–8 (PDF)]
Data Center Regulation & Security
- Physical & digital security, fire protection, and redundancy are required: [Urban Land Institute 2024 White Paper, p.7–8 (PDF)]
- TIA-942 standard defines strict building, electrical, security, and resiliency standards for certified data centers. [TIA-942]
Data Center Energy Use: The Facts
Fact: Global data centers and data transmission networks consumed an estimated 340–460 TWh in 2022, about 1–1.5% of global electricity. [IEA 2024]
Water Use & Cooling Technology
- Modern data centers increasingly use air-cooled or closed-loop systems, reducing water consumption. [LBNL: Water Use in Data Centers]
- The industry is moving away from water-intensive evaporative cooling, especially in water-stressed regions.
Community Impact: Noise, Pollution, Land Use
- Noise from HVAC and backup generators is regulated and must meet local ordinances (often below residential nighttime noise limits). [Wikipedia: Data center – Noise]
- In some regions, rapid data center growth has raised concerns about noise, diesel emissions, and land use near sensitive areas. [Business Insider, May 2025]
- Industry leaders have implemented acoustic shielding, generator runtime restrictions, and landscaping buffers. [ULI White Paper, 2024]
Summary Table: Data Centers (2025, US/EU)
| Topic | Key Facts | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation & Security | Must comply with TIA-942 or similar, plus local security/fire/environmental codes. | ULI |
| Energy Use | 1–1.5% of global electricity (2022) | IEA |
| Water Use | Modern centers prioritize low-water cooling methods | LBNL |
| Noise & Land Use | Regulated noise; community impact debated in fast-growing regions | Business Insider |
Further Reading
- Wikipedia: Data Center (Overview & Technology)
- Urban Land Institute: Data Center White Paper (PDF, 2024)
- IEA: Data Centres and Data Transmission Networks (2024)
- LBNL: Water Use in Data Centers
- Business Insider: Data Centers, Noise, and Air Pollution in Northern Virginia (2025)
Last fact-check: July 11, 2025. All sources above are accessible, authoritative, and as close to primary as possible. For new regulations or regional data, consult local government and environmental agencies.