Microsoft Plans to Build Wooden Data Centers to Reduce Emissions

Microsoft, in an effort to make data centers greener, is breaking away from traditional construction methods and embracing wood, Firstpost reported (10-4-24).

The tech giant is testing fire-resistant cross-laminated timber (CLT) for its first wooden data centers in a suburb of northern Virginia. The innovative move aims to replace carbon-heavy materials like steel and concrete, known for their significant emissions footprint, with more eco-friendly options.

The experiment aligns with Microsoft’s ambitious climate goals. The company has set its sights on becoming carbon negative by 2030 and hopes to offset all emissions produced since it was founded by 2050. Despite strides in reducing its carbon output, Microsoft’s data centers continue to face challenges. Indirect emissions linked to sourcing, manufacturing, and transporting materials surged by almost 31% over three years, highlighting the need for new approaches.

Integrating CLT in a hybrid construction model that still uses some concrete and steel is predicted to cut embodied carbon emissions by 35% compared to fully steel-based builds and by 65% when compared to standard concrete. This makes the timber approach not just an environmental statement but a significant step forward in decarbonizing construction.