When Facebook’s proposed $800 million data center in Mesa, Ariz., was proposed, it drew strong criticism with fears that it would require enormous amounts of water for cooling in a region suffering from a water shortage.
The social media giant, responding to those fears, said it would include three water restoration projects. The efforts, the company says, will restore more than 200 million gallons of water per year in the Colorado River and Salt River basins.
Facebook said the 960,000 sf facility will use 60% less water than the typical data center due to extensive use of fresh air for cooling. The company added that it will not draw water rights from the city of Mesa.
Roughly 80% of the state of Arizona is facing severe drought conditions and it is expected to lose about one-fifth of its Colorado River water supply next year. Facebook also says it will work with local utility Salt River Project to add 50 megawatts of solar energy to the grid.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2020
New buildings can fall short of designed performance
Similar structures can produce different energy usage results.
Codes and Standards | Jun 25, 2020
Arc offers tools, analytics for safe workplace re-entry
Platform helps sustainability teams to collect data, benchmark progress, measure impact, and improve performance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2020
New API enables design and construction technology platforms to connect
Construction Specifications Institute offers “digital classification engine.”
Codes and Standards | Jun 23, 2020
State lawmakers encouraging transition to heat pumps for building heating
Policies aim to replace gas heaters with electric units.
Codes and Standards | Jun 22, 2020
Natl. Renewable Energy Labs, Cold Climate Research Ctr. team up on extreme weather research
Focus on renewable power, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and energy systems integration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2020
Demand for family rentals expected to jump over next few years
Developers’ focus on single, urban millennials leaves family market underserved.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
AIA offers retail and office 3D models for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission
For modifying stores and offices with 17-point architectural, engineering, and administrative framework.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
Santa Fe is second city in the world to achieve LEED v4.1 Gold
New Mexico community gained credits for resilience planning, including public health crises.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
NSF International’s Checked by NSF program helps businesses reopen safely
Includes third-party validation of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
Workers want policy changes before they return to offices
More office cleaning, work from home opportunities, and staying home when sick among the desired adjustments.