FAQs

As data centers continue their rapid expansion across communities worldwide, the sheer scale and pace of this development can make it incredibly challenging for the public to stay informed about the current technological infrastructure and planned advancements within their local areas.

This section addresses some of the most common questions surrounding data center development.

(The answers in this section are in a drop down)

• Q: How many and what types of jobs do data centers createcreate many jobs?

  Answer:
  While the number of permanent on-site staff may be relatively small, the development and operation of data centers generate significant economic ripple effects. Each facility fuels demand for construction, engineering, utilities, and maintenance services, employing hundreds during buildout and ongoing operations.

  Beyond the design and build phase, data centers attract and support a wide range of adjacent industries — including technology suppliers, logistics providers, electrical contractors, fiber network installers, energy companies, and more — creating a multiplier effect on job creation throughout the region.

  Each direct job in the data center sector supports over six additional jobs across the broader U.S. economy.

  Data centers are just one part of Virginia’s growing digital infrastructure ecosystem that sparks ripple effects throughout the economy, by adding new jobs, fueling innovation, and driving growth across the state.

• Q: How do data centers benefit the local community.?

  Answer:

  Data centers drive local tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and workforce development, and often fund community programs and improve broadband and grid reliability.

  Data centers deliver significant and sustained economic value to local communities. They are often among the largest commercial taxpayers in a locality, contributing millions annually in real estate, personal property, and utility taxes — funds that directly support schools, emergency services, infrastructure improvements, and local government operations.

  Beyond taxes, data centers also spur public and private investment in roads, broadband expansion, and grid upgrades, which benefit residents and businesses alike. Henrico County, for example, created a $60 million affordable housing trust fund from local data center tax revenues to create equitable housing opportunities for all residents.

  Many data center operators actively engage in philanthropy and community partnerships, supporting local nonprofits, workforce training programs, and STEM education initiatives. During the last couple of years, Meta has donated more than $4 million to community nonprofit organizations, schools, and educational programs across the Richmond region.

  Google is equipping Virginians with AI and job-ready skills, at no cost. As part of a broader $1 billion commitment, all Virginia-based college students now have access to the Google AI Pro plan and AI training for a year, and the University of Virginia, Brightpoint Community College, and Northern Virginia Community College are part of the first cohort of the Google AI for Education Accelerator.

  At Old Dominion University, Google announced a major partnership with Old Dominion University in late 2025 to launch MonarchSphere, the first higher education AI incubator powered by Google Cloud, creating a hub for AI innovation, research, and training in Hampton Roads, integrating Google AI tools, fostering cross-discipline collaboration, and embedding Google Career Certificates into ODU's programs to prepare students for the future workforce. 

• Q: What types of organizations usually own data centers?.

  Answer:
  Many data centers are built and operated by local or regional companies, telecom firms, government entities, and colocation providers serving diverse clients — not just hyperscalers like Amazon, Meta, or Google.

• Q: What effect do data centers have on the environment?

  Answer:
  Today’s data centers are among the most energy-efficient buildings in commercial real estate. Many are powered by renewable energy and designed with state-of-the-art cooling systems, reducing carbon impact per computing unit.

  Data centers only rely on diesel generators for backup power during outages, but these are rarely used outside of maintenance testing and contribute only a small share of regional air pollution, with emissions strictly regulated by Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality.

• Q: What is the environmental footprint of modern data centers, and how is the industry working to become more sustainable?

  Answer:

  Modern data centers do consume substantially more energy than many other commercial operations. But the industry is rapidly transforming to embrace renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.

  Many leading data centers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, using advanced cooling technologies and innovative infrastructure to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, some companies even purchase carbon offsets or invest directly in clean energy projects to ensure their operations move toward net-zero emissions, proving that data centers can be both powerful and environmentally responsible.

  Looking ahead, emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors could offer a stable, low-carbon energy source to help meet the growing demand reliably and responsibly.

  For instance, Kairos Power and Google signed an agreement in October 2024 creating a path to deploy a U.S. fleet of advanced nuclear power projects totaling 500 MW by 2035.

  The rapid growth of data centers — especially in places like Virginia — is driving a significant increase in energy demand. While Virginia’s overall energy use was flat from 2006 to 2020 due to efficiency gains, forecasts show that demand could double in the next decade, largely because of data centers. However, the industry is actively shifting toward renewable energy and innovative efficiency measures, aiming to balance this growth with environmental responsibility rather than relying solely on fossil fuels.

  AWS, the cloud computing platform and services division of Amazon, built 18 solar farms in Virginia to provide electricity to the communities’ power grid for distribution and consumption by customers in the area. Microsoft plans to operate its data centers at warmer temperatures so that it can reduce water use by 95 percent by 2024.

  Google announced in 2021 a goal to replenish 120% of the freshwater volume it consumes, on average, across its offices and data centers by 2030, and help restore and improve the quality of water and health of ecosystems in the communities where it operates.

• Q: How do data center operators manage noise from their facilities?

  Answer:

  While some data centers located near residential areas have generated noise concerns — mainly from constant low-frequency hums — most facilities do not receive noise complaints due to careful citing, design, or buffering.

  The noise is typically not loud enough to violate local ordinances or harm hearing, though some residents report it affects their comfort. However, many data center operators proactively conduct sound studies to minimize impact.

• Q: Why should data centers matter to modern daily life?

  Answer:
  Data centers are vital to almost every industry, not just the tech sector.

  Data centers are the unseen foundation of our modern, connected world, powering the digital tools we rely on daily. For example:

  • Healthcare uses the data centers to store patient records and run telemedicine services.

  • Schools and universities rely on them for online learning and managing student data.

  • Manufacturers depend on them for logistics and automation.

  • Governments use them to provide digital services and protect sensitive information.

  From banking and energy to retail and research, data centers are the enabling pillar to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation across the entire economy.

• Q.: Why are data centers becoming more important as technology advances?

  Answer:

  Far from being a fad, data centers are becoming more essential every year as global demand for digital services skyrockets.

  The explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, smart devices, 5G networks, and remote work is fueling an unprecedented need for secure, high-performance digital infrastructure.

  Just as roads and electricity powered the industrial age, data centers are the foundation of the digital economy — enabling everything from online banking and telehealth to e-commerce, streaming, and national security. This infrastructure is not only here to stay; it’s rapidly expanding to meet the demands of a data-driven future.

• Q. How are modern data centers becoming more water-efficient?

  Answer:
  While it’s true that some data centers use water to cool their servers, the industry is rapidly shifting toward more sustainable cooling technologies.

  Many modern facilities use air-cooled, closed-loop, or hybrid systems that drastically reduce water consumption — or eliminate it altogether.

  In fact, some of the largest data center operators now prioritize water usage effectiveness (WUE) alongside energy efficiency. They often reuse water, source it from non-potable supplies, or design systems to operate in “water-stressed” regions with minimal environmental impact.

  As a result, the water footprint of data centers is becoming smaller and smarter, especially as operators respond to growing environmental concerns and regulations.

• Q. What are the long-term economic benefits of having a data center in a local community?

  Answer:
  
  While data centers may not generate constant foot traffic or retail activity, their long-term presence contributes significantly through stable tax revenue, local partnerships, and ongoing infrastructure investments.
  

  Many operators remain active in their communities through philanthropy, workforce training, broadband expansion, and school or nonprofit collaborations. They also frequently upgrade facilities over time, bringing continued capital investment and job opportunities to the region — ensuring their value extends well beyond the initial construction phase.

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