As technology evolves, the importance of robust digital infrastructure cannot be overstated. Digital infrastructure includes networks, towers, cables, and data centers that host and connect all online services used by people, companies, and governments worldwide. The list of online services grows daily, from streaming video to mobile banking, online retail to gaming, cloud computing to AI. All these services are powered by data centers. As such, they can play a positive role in both smaller communities and global industries, enabling and accelerating technological advancements across various sectors. The data center industry is a unique, low-impact sector that can significantly benefit local communities.
Here, we delve into the multifaceted benefits of data centers.
LOCAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Employment Opportunities
Data centers are more than just hubs of digital activity; they are vital engines for local employment and economic growth. These facilities create high-paying essential jobs across a myriad of roles, including construction, electricians, security, and IT, all made possible without extensive transportation or harmful emissions, ensuring a cleaner, quieter environment.
Economically, data centers are significant contributors. They do so through taxes, energy, and higher-paying salaries, which play a crucial role in boosting the local economy. Their continuous operations ensure stable employment year-round. Additionally, the presence of data centers attracts suppliers and businesses, fostering a thriving local economy and tech ecosystem.
For EdgeConneX, our data centers are sometimes constructed on existing industrial or commercial sites, known as brownfield areas. Our dedication to rejuvenating these areas is a significant benefit, providing hope and revitalization. This commitment to community development is a key aspect of our operations. Data centers are essential for today’s and tomorrow’s economies, and by having a data center in them, communities are brought into this new age of infrastructure.
EdgeConneX is committed to local communities, undertaking beautification, civil works, road maintenance, and other necessary tasks to ensure that the area serves both our needs and the municipality’s. During the initial construction phase, data centers necessitate a substantial 
workforce, creating numerous construction jobs that invigorate the region. Once operational, these centers demand continuous security and operational staff, ensuring the facility’s seamless 24-hour functionality. Companies like EdgeConneX and our customers, suppliers, and vendors further contribute to the job market by requiring skilled technology professionals for ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting. This diverse range of employment opportunities underscores data centers’ significant and sustained economic impact on their surrounding communities.
Economic Contributions
Data centers are technological powerhouses and substantial contributors to growth. For instance, they can boost local tax revenues, providing essential funding for public services and infrastructure projects that benefit the community at large. Additionally, the meticulous planning and design of these facilities ensure that post-construction, they have minimal impact on local traffic and crucial public services like police and fire departments. This thoughtful approach supports economic growth and fosters a harmonious integration within the community, enhancing the area’s financial and social fabric.
Environmental Stewardship
Data centers also spur technological and economic benefits that support commitments to sustainability. EdgeConneX exemplifies this by actively promoting green energy initiatives, such as 24/7 Carbon Free Energy, collaborating with grid providers and leading partners, and 
contributing to a more sustainable future. In addition, our waste management practices at our facilities, certifed at the Platinum level by UL 2799, with a 98% waste diversion rate—recycling, converting to energy, composting 97% of waste, and sending only 3% to landfill—demonstrate our dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, EdgeConneX data centers are thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into their surroundings and operate quietly, adhering to strict decibel level limits to ensure they do not disturb residents. These sustainable practices make data centers essential for digital infrastructure and fostering environmentally responsible growth. Communities also benefit from beautification projects and other initiatives, creating a more vibrant and appealing living environment.
Community Support
Our data centers are not just about cutting-edge technology and economic contributions; they also play a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of innovators and tech professionals. Our commitment to community support and development is evident in our 
donations to local STEM education programs, our leadership in Capstone programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and our employment of Veterans to support our facilities globally. These initiatives inspire hope and promise for the future. Additionally, our contributions to food banks address immediate community needs, ensuring local families access essential resources. We’re also active in various communities to plant trees, tend community gardens, and support efforts to save declining bee populations. Beyond these efforts, our focus on biodiversity projects, such as constructing a snake sanctuary in response to community requests, showcases our commitment to environmental stewardship.
These efforts collectively foster a stronger, more resilient community, highlighting the multifaceted economic and social benefits that data centers bring to local areas.
Global Industry Benefits
While data centers don’t directly create cloud services, AI, or streaming content, they are crucial enablers for these technologies across various industries. Let’s take a closer look at some of the sectors positively impacted by data centers:
Agriculture
Cloud services optimize agricultural processes by improving crop yields, inventory management, supply chain logistics, market data analysis, weather prediction, and fuel price tracking. This level of optimization is essential for efficiently feeding a growing global population.
Healthcare
AI and cloud technologies enable telehealth services, comprehensive patient profile management, pharmaceutical research, and virtual consultations, enhancing access to healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
Energy
AI tools help optimize access to green and low-cost electricity, manage performance and outage response, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid. Unlike many industries, data centers also primarily rely on externally generated power, further minimizing their local footprint.
Transportation
Data centers enable optimized schedules, routes, and maintenance for transportation systems, reducing costs and improving efficiency. This includes mapping for EV truck charging stations.
Manufacturing
AI and cloud technologies improve manufacturing processes by optimizing inventory, operations, staffing, and energy use, increasing efficiency, and reducing waste.
Logistics
Advanced logistics solutions like Just-In-Time inventory management, energy-efficient routing, and EV charging maps are all powered by robust data center infrastructure.
Arts & Entertainment
From creation to distribution and consumer access, the arts and entertainment sector relies on data centers for streaming services, digital media storage, and innovative tools for creators.
EdgeConneX data centers are not just technological powerhouses but vital contributors to local economies, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Data centers blend both economic stability and community enhancements, making them invaluable assets to any locality.
Globally, they enable advancements in various industries, from agriculture to entertainment, driving innovation and efficiency. By embracing adaptability, sustainability, and community support, EdgeConneX continues to pave the way for a connected and empowered future.
For more information on how EdgeConneX fosters green progress, please read:
- Cultivating Community and Stewardship
- When Green Leads, Good Follows
- Designing Tomorrow – Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Download our whitepapers to learn more about our practical approaches to leveraging 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy:
- Advancing Toward Sustainability: A Year of Operating a Data Center with 24/7 Carbon-free Energy Goals
- A Practical Approach to Implementing 24/7 Carbon Free Energy for a Data Center