D A T A C E N T R E P R E D I C T I O N S
negative impacts that data centres can have , the positive sentiment demonstrably outweighs the negative .
The negative impacts most selected by those surveyed were the impact of high energy use ( 40 %), the creation of electronic waste ( 33 %) and land use ( 30 %).
Can the data centre industry change public perception ?
When people were asked what would make them feel more positive about data centres , most respondents ( 83 %) were open-minded and receptive to changing their perspective about data centres .
In exploring the leading factors that could contribute to changing public perception overall , increasing job opportunities would have the most impact in making people feel more positive ( 40 %), followed by amenities ( 37 %) such as biodiverse spaces for public use , cycle paths and playgrounds .
Knowing a data centre development would create broader economic growth for the local area would make 31 % of those surveyed more willing to have one in their local community ; this is followed by hiring local people for construction and operations ( 27 %) and providing training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people ( 23 %).
The results also show a correlation between economic dividends and public acceptance .
For instance , 83 % of those who strongly agree that data centres bring value through job opportunities would be willing to have a data centre in their area , as would 85 % of those who strongly agree that they bring value through economic growth .
The role of community investment in driving positive perception
Regarding the impact that community investment has on driving positive perception , overall , 49 % of people surveyed agree that investment in related projects , such as parks and playgrounds , is a benefit that data centres bring . That number rises to 58 % amongst those living near a data centre .
The top three amenities identified as beneficial to people are : building recreational sports or children ’ s playing facilities , developing community gardens and improving pedestrian areas .
Public concerns regarding data centres
While the results show that both general and local populations are aware of the
“ It ’ s clear from the research that public opinion of data centres is more positive than expected and that perhaps the sector is not always presented in a way that accurately portrays how people really perceive it ,” said Emma Fryer , Director of Public Policy , Europe at CyrusOne .
“ It is therefore really important that we , as developers and operators , listen carefully to people in our host communities , while continuing to educate , identify their needs and act accordingly to deliver meaningful local benefits .”
The full survey results , including a breakdown per market and recommended next steps for the industry , are compiled in dedicated local language reports titled , Listening to Communities : Understanding Public Perception of Data Centers in Europe and How This Shapes Community Initiatives . �
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