In an unprecedented move in datacenter construction, Microsoft has begun building facilities using cross-laminated timber (CLT) in Northern Virginia, marking a departure from conventional steel and concrete structures. The initiative aims to reduce the company’s carbon emissions significantly. Environmental Impact and Construction Strategy The hybrid construction model, combining CLT with steel and concrete, demonstrates a 35% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional steel construction and a 65% decrease versus typical precast concrete. These numbers are particularly relevant given that the buildings and construction sector currently accounts for 37% of global emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2023 … Continue reading Microsoft’s Timber Data Centers Cut Emissions by Up to 65%, Pioneering Low-Carbon Alternatives to Steel and Concrete