Responsible growth

The digital backbone

The increasing importance of data centers means new Compass Datacenters sites are being built in a broad variety of communities, from regions across North America to European cities such as Milan. In every community that Compass opens a new site, it creates hundreds of skilled jobs, contributes to the local tax base, and improves the electrical grid.

“Data centers power the digital backbone of the modern world,” says Adil Attlassy, Chief Technology Officer. “From financial systems to healthcare research to everyday communication, the global economy relies on resilient infrastructure. Compass builds the foundation that enables productivity, innovation, and connectivity.”

Working with the community

In Noviglio, near Milan, Compass invested in public spaces and enhanced local safety with roundabouts and security cameras. Additionally, it partnered with schools to host coding workshops and creative sessions.

Meanwhile, in Goodyear, Arizona, the company enhanced local infrastructure with projects such as the Bullard Wash, landscaping along Bullard Avenue, and upgrades to transmission and substations for the local network.

Being a good neighbor

Compass endeavors to work with the communities in which it builds its campuses to ensure a positive community impact. In 2023, it worked with residents close to its Leesburg site in Virginia, after reports of elevated levels of sound. While the data center was already operating below legal noise ordinance levels, Compass set out to ensure its activities were not disruptive to the local community.

In collaboration with digital infrastructure partner Vertiv, Compass undertook a thorough investigation over nine months to find the cause of the issue. They identified cooling fans as the source and, consequently, retrofitted the fan mounts. When tested, this led to a more than 20% reduction in sound at street level.

What does a sustainable future look like?

Compass Datacenters works to meet SDG 8, which is to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

When Compass builds a data center, this leads to a ripple effect as the local economy is boosted. In addition, the company’s focus on inclusive growth is shown in its work with local partners. By partnering with nearby technical colleges with its MEI Data Center Pathway Program, Compass enables students to move into high-demand technical careers.

“SDG 8 challenges us to grow economies without leaving people behind,” says Attlassy. “Compass Datacenters is meeting that challenge, building opportunity, strengthening communities, and enabling the digital foundation for the next century of progress.”