Wooden data centers: an alternative for eco-design in the era of AI?
Published on December 4, 2025 -
The construction of a data center generates a significant carbon footprint, mainly attributable to the use of concrete and steel structures. Although the use of "low-carbon" concrete is growing, wood is now emerging as a credible alternative to reduce this impact, while meeting the technical and security requirements of these critical infrastructures.
In this white paper, written by APL Data Center and Khephren Ingénierie, you will discover:
- The advantages of wood, in general, and more specifically for data centers: prior to construction, easier acquisition of environmental certifications and permits. During construction, cleaner work sites. And better fire resistance during the operational phase.
- Constraints related to structure, security, and costs that can condition or limit the use of wooden structures in a data center: the load to be supported by technical floors, acoustic and vibration challenges, data center security, higher insurance premiums in the event of a claim, construction costs and timelines...
- The results of a study comparing a classic concrete structure to a mixed wood-concrete structure for a data center with a capacity of 60 MW IT and a footprint of approximately 20,000 m² over two levels (ground floor + 1) with a technical terrace.
This white paper is intended for those who design and operate data centers, investors, public institutions, and more generally all those who wish to reduce the environmental impact of data centers.
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