Social Accord
Do data centers only provide economic value to local communities?
Executives presented this question at a data center industry conference in 2023 to provoke a discussion about assumed blockers to sustainable growth. Other assumptions included bulldozing green space for data centers, a lack of viable alternatives to fossil fuels for 24×7 power and the requirement for on-site diesel-powered backup generators to cover utility outages.
These assumptions have fueled a perception in local communities that data centers are an enemy. Community protests held against data center expansions in Northern Virgina, Maryland, Singapore and Dublin, Ireland, served as examples. A workgroup was formed to address the assumptions and show communities that the digital infrastructure industry has good intentions and can be good neighbors.
Problem: The demand for digital services primarily from AI is driving data center capacity to double in two years and triple by 2030. Community resistance to data center construction is causing delays that could throttle industry expansion. To meet the global demand for digital services, the digital infrastructure industry must earn the trust of local communities where data centers are deployed.
Solution: To earn the trust of local communities, the digital infrastructure industry must move beyond building and operating data centers that are “in the community” to being “of the community.” Being “of the community” implies connection and integration with the community. The digital infrastructure industry must understand and support the community’s values and invest in the development and wellbeing of the community. This requires a framework that can be applied to every unique community. The iMasons Social Accord strives to achieve economic, social and ecological balance with the local community where data centers are built and operated.
Tools: The workgroup is developing a framework, toolset and scorecard to help data center developers understand how to be good neighbors and comply with the intent of the accord.
The iMasons Social Accord requires collaboration between the digital infrastructure industry and community members.
Listen to the Podcast
Highlighting the results of implementing the iMasons Social Accord Framework on a data center project: The Mason Bridge Project Podcast.
Social Accord Leadership
Cyre Mercedes
Social Accord
Jeremy Lee
Social Accord
Abhik Bera
Social Accord
Ariana Gutierrez
Social Accord
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Social Accord Interest Form