With data centers becoming a key topic in the US midterm elections, it’s more important than ever to have informed, constructive conversations about what they really mean for communities.
As demand for digital services and AI grows, more communities are having to consider what digital infrastructure could mean for their area. Local residents understandably want to know how these facilities will affect their surroundings, their bills and their future.
Acknowledging concerns
We acknowledge the concerns surrounding data center development. However, not all the information circulating about these facilities reflects the reality of how modern data centers are designed and operated. By looking beyond common assumptions, we can build a clearer picture of the industry’s community impact and the safeguards in place to manage it.
For example, water usage is one of the most common concerns surrounding data centers. Modern cooling technologies have advanced considerably from traditional methods, offering more efficient ways to manage water use. Closed-loop cooling systems recirculate water, while direct-to-chip liquid cooling designs also reduce water consumption by limiting the need for evaporative cooling.
For example, Vantage’s Wisconsin campus is projected to use around 22,000 gallons of water per day, compared with approximately 5 million gallons for a campus of similar scale using evaporative cooling. This represents a reduction of more than 99% in projected daily water use compared with the equivalent evaporative-cooled facility.
Ultimately, we share a common goal with the communities around us: ensuring data centers are operated responsibly, minimizing their environmental and community impacts, while supporting the industry’s growth and innovation.
Uplifting communities
At Salute, our role goes beyond keeping data centers running. We are citizens of the communities around us, creating opportunities for local people and contributing to the economies in which we operate.
Our approach to training and developing the next generation of talent prioritizes employing military veterans and members of local communities, helping people build careers in an industry that’s growing at an exponential rate. We support a site in Meridian, Mississippi, where headcount is projected to increase from 12 to 77 employees by 2028, with salaries of around $70,000 compared with a local average of $55,000. This growth represents an opportunity to create skilled jobs and bring additional spending power into the local economy.
Building better conversations
As data centers continue to feature in discussions around the US midterm elections, it’s important that conversations about their development are informed by facts rather than assumptions. With misconceptions about how modern digital infrastructure operates shaping public perceptions, sharing accurate information is key to helping communities understand the reality behind the headlines.
At Salute, we believe this starts with being transparent about how our facilities are operated, explaining the technologies and safeguards in place, and addressing concerns with clear, practical information. By looking beyond outdated perceptions and understanding how the industry continues to evolve, communities can have a more balanced view of the challenges data centers present and the opportunities they can create.