The World Resources Institute reports…
This article explores these policy levers, highlights emerging practices from communities across the U.S. and offers practical considerations based on WRI’s ongoing technical assistance to local governments. Together, these levers can shape where data centers are built, how they operate and whether their energy demand supports or undermines broader community goals.
Here are the six policy levers…
- Lever 1: Use Zoning to Guide Where Data Centers Are Built
- Lever 2: Establish Clear Requirements Through Permitting
- Lever 3: Increase Transparency Through Energy Disclosure and Monitoring
- Lever 4: Shape How Facilities Are Designed and Powered
- Lever 5: Remove Barriers to Clean Energy and Storage
- Lever 6: Align Private Investment with Public Priorities
Minnesota gets on nod in relation to Lever 4…
Data center design is a primary determinant of energy use and environmental impact. Key considerations include building and IT equipment efficiency, cooling systems, backup power and opportunities for heat recovery and reuse.
Local governments can encourage more sustainable design through permitting requirements, development incentives and sustainability standards. Some jurisdictions, like Lake County, Indiana, require an energy efficiency plan demonstrating how facilities will conserve energy and use renewable energy resources for permit approval. Jurisdictions can also require or incentivize certification under recognized sustainability programs such as LEED for data centers, Green Globes for Data Centers and BREEAM. Minnesota recently enacted legislation requiring just this.