Facebook’s new $800 million Arizona data center to save big on water

When Facebook’s proposed $800 million data center in Mesa, Ariz., was proposed, it drew strong criticism with fears that it would require enormous amounts of water for cooling in a region suffering from a water shortage.

The social media giant, responding to those fears, said it would include three water restoration projects. The efforts, the company says, will restore more than 200 million gallons of water per year in the Colorado River and Salt River basins.

Facebook said the 960,000 sf facility will use 60% less water than the typical data center due to extensive use of fresh air for cooling. The company added that it will not draw water rights from the city of Mesa.

Roughly 80% of the state of Arizona is facing severe drought conditions and it is expected to lose about one-fifth of its Colorado River water supply next year. Facebook also says it will work with local utility Salt River Project to add 50 megawatts of solar energy to the grid.

Effective January 1, 2022, New York City requires garage owners to retain a specially designated professional engineer to conduct an assessment and file a report at least once every six years. Hoffmann Architects + Engineers offers tips and best practices on how to comply with NYC Local Law 126 parking garage inspection rules.

Mixed-Use | Oct 20, 2022

ROI on resilient multifamily construction can be as high as 72%

A new study that measured the economic value of using FORTIFIED Multifamily, a voluntary beyond-code construction and re-roofing method developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), found the return can be as high as 72%.

Building Team | Oct 18, 2022

Brasfield & Gorrie chairman’s home vandalized by anti-development activists

Activists vandalized the home and vehicles of Miller Gorrie, chairman of Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, in protest of a planned $90 million, 85-acre police, fire and public safety training center in Atlanta.

Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022

Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers

California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.

| Oct 13, 2022

Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned

Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.