What is a data center?

A data center is a secure facility that houses the digital infrastructure behind cloud computing, internet services, business applications, communications and AI workloads. Data centers store, process and distribute the information that keeps modern businesses and daily life running.

Why are data centers important?

Data centers are essential infrastructure for the digital economy. They support everything from streaming, online banking and ecommerce to healthcare, remote work, education and artificial intelligence. Climate modeling, critical healthcare records, and carbon-reduction research all utilize the servers inside of data centers for storage and compute. As demand for digital services grows, so does the need for reliable, efficient data center capacity.

How do data centers compare to other types of industrial development?

Data centers typically have a different operating profile than manufacturing, logistics or warehouse uses. They generally create less daily traffic, have no continuous freight activity, do not involve traditional manufacturing emissions, and require fewer on-site personnel once operational. They also represent long-term infrastructure investment and a durable tax base.

Do data centers use a lot of electricity?

Data centers require significant power because they operate critical digital infrastructure around the clock. At the same time, modern facilities are designed to use that energy as efficiently as possible through advanced cooling, power distribution and operational controls.

Will a data center affect local utility rates?

Utility rates are determined by the applicable utility and regulatory process, not by the data center operator alone. Sabey pays all applicable charges for service and project-specific infrastructure as required. Any decisions about retail rates are made through established utility and regulatory frameworks.

How does Sabey approach energy efficiency?

Sabey designs and operates highly efficient data centers using advanced cooling strategies, efficient electrical systems and continuous performance monitoring. Our approach is focused on reducing energy use while maintaining the resilience and reliability customers depend on.

How do data centers manage water use?

Water use depends on the cooling design of a facility. Sabey prioritizes efficient cooling approaches and designs systems to minimize water consumption wherever possible. In many cases, facilities rely primarily on air-based or closed-loop systems that significantly reduce water demand compared with traditional cooling methods.

Will a data center impact local water supplies?

Protecting local water resources is an important part of project planning. Sabey evaluates cooling strategies carefully and, where appropriate, prioritizes designs that use non-potable water. Water planning is addressed through engineering, permitting and coordination with relevant local agencies.

Is wastewater generated, and how is it managed?

Data centers do not produce industrial process wastewater like many traditional industrial uses. When limited discharge is associated with cooling systems, it is trucked offsite to be disposed of and managed in accordance with applicable permits, utility requirements and environmental regulations.

Are data centers noisy?

Under normal operations, data centers are generally quieter than many traditional industrial uses. Sound typically comes from mechanical equipment such as cooling systems and backup generators, and facilities are designed to manage that sound responsibly.

What noise mitigation measures are used?

Typical noise mitigation measures include strategic equipment placement, acoustic screening, enclosures, barriers and sound modeling during design. Backup generators are usually tested only during limited daytime hours, and projects are designed to meet applicable local noise requirements.

Do data centers increase traffic?

Once operational, data centers typically generate relatively low traffic volumes compared with many other industrial uses. Construction can create temporary traffic increases, but long-term operations usually involve a small employee base and limited delivery activity.

How do data centers address lighting and visual impact?

Modern data centers are designed to minimize off-site impact through landscaping, architectural screening, non-reflective materials and carefully controlled exterior lighting. Lighting plans typically use shielding, directional fixtures and controls to reduce unnecessary spill and glare.

What kind of jobs do data centers create?

Data centers create jobs during both construction and operations. Construction can support a wide range of skilled trades over multiple phases, while ongoing operations create roles in facilities management, security, engineering, IT and technical maintenance.

What workforce opportunities can data centers support?

Data centers can support long-term workforce development through internships, apprenticeships, partnerships with schools and technical programs, and career pathways into skilled trades and technology infrastructure roles.

How do data centers support local communities?

Data centers can contribute to local communities through long-term tax revenue, job creation, workforce partnerships, local contractor engagement and support for critical digital infrastructure. They are designed to provide lasting economic value while operating with a relatively modest burden on local services.