Data centres must factor noise pollution backlash into construction plans

As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital storage continues to accelerate, demand for data centres is rising. As efforts continue to expand their capacity, however, tensions are flaring – with a number of unwelcome outputs, including noise pollutions, seeing backlash against their construction. Ryan Harne, director at Secretariat, explains that companies cannot afford to ignore this friction.

Historically, attention surrounding data centre development has focused on power consumption, water usage, carbon emissions, and land use. Increasingly, however, noise pollution is emerging as a significant source of community concern, regulatory scrutiny, and potential litigation. Across the US and Europe, local governments and residents are raising concerns about the continuous noise generated by hyperscale and AI-driven data centres.

“Communities that initially welcomed data centre projects for their economic benefits are increasingly seeking stronger zoning controls, acoustic monitoring, setback requirements, and operational restrictions,” explains Harne. “Recent opposition efforts in New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, and other jurisdictions have cited environmental and quality-of-life concerns as factors in permit challenges, zoning disputes, and development moratoriums.”

For developers, investors, operators, and insurers, noise is growing beyond a neighbourhood concern into a significant business, regulatory, and legal risk.

Noise pollution

Unlike many industrial activities that operate intermittently, data centres run continuously. The heat generated by servers requires extensive cooling infrastructure to maintain operational temperatures and ensure system reliability. The systems necessary to cool data centre components “can generate persistent sounds around the clock.”

Low frequency noise is often more problematic than sounds at higher frequencies, too. The long wavelengths of low frequencies are less attenuated over distance, pass through walls more effectively, and can even be “perceived as vibration rather than traditional noise”. 

This means suburban and rural areas are likely to notice these impacts the most, as the ambient background noise in these areas can shift from “primarily sounds of nature or day-to-day human activity to sounds bearing more industrial characteristics” after the data centre introduction.

And while many municipalities have no noise ordinances at all, instead lumping together “noise” as one of many “nuisances” that are considered on a case-by-case basis, the proliferation of data systems means regulators are likely to adapt laws in the near-future.

“Many ordinances were written long before the rapid expansion of large-scale data centres and were not designed to address the unique characteristics of continuously operating digital infrastructure,” Harne says. “As data centre development accelerates, municipalities are beginning to revisit regulatory frameworks and permitting requirements.”

Pointing to one recent example, Harne notes that in July 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a one-year moratorium on the construction of new hyperscale data centres that require 50 megawatts or more of power. This pause allows state agencies to develop regulatory frameworks that address potential environmental impacts on local communities, including water usage, power, and noise concerns.

For project owners and developers, the action highlights the growing importance of evaluating these considerations early in the development process, as evolving regulatory and permitting requirements may affect project approvals, timelines, design considerations, and long-term operational planning.

According to Harne, “Future considerations could include: comprehensive acoustic modelling during project permitting; lower allowable nighttime noise thresholds; ongoing operational monitoring and reporting; increased setback, buffering, and noise attenuation requirements; enhanced controls on generator testing and backup power systems; and more rigorous environmental review and disclosure obligations.”

Litigation exposure

Illustrating the evolving risk landscape for data centre construction, property owners may also assert private nuisance claims, alleging that persistent operational noise interferes with the use and enjoyment of their property. Nearby residents may contend that continuous noise from cooling systems, generators, and other mechanical equipment has negatively affected property values. Community groups and local stakeholders may challenge permits or zoning approvals by arguing that acoustic impact assessments were inadequate or failed to properly evaluate future operating conditions.

And Harne says that additionally, “the concentration of large-scale data centre developments in certain regions has generated broader environmental justice discussions”. This is especially possible where communities believe they are “disproportionately experiencing the environmental and quality-of-life impacts associated with digital infrastructure.”

He suggests, “Together, these issues underscore the importance of proactively evaluating and managing noise risks throughout the planning, design, construction, and operational phases of a project. The most effective approach to noise management is proactive planning during site selection and design. Addressing these issues during project development is often significantly less costly than implementing corrective measures after community complaints or regulatory challenges arise.”

To that end, acoustical engineers routinely evaluate HVAC systems, generators, cooling equipment, transformers, and other mechanical infrastructure to assess potential impacts on neighbouring properties and sensitive receptors. Industry best practices often include environmental noise surveys, sound propagation modelling, vibration assessments, property-line impact evaluations, and compliance reviews against local ordinances and permit requirements. 

Listening ahead

The data centre industry is at the centre of the AI revolution. Demand for computing capacity shows no sign of slowing. As data centres proliferate, noise pollution will become a key issue in community acceptance, permitting, and project development.

That means that organisations that proactively assess acoustical impacts, engage stakeholders early, and integrate noise mitigation into project planning will be “better positioned to secure approvals, maintain community support, and minimise future disputes”.

Harne concludes, “As data centre projects continue to increase in size and complexity, integrating engineering, environmental, and litigation expertise can help organisations identify, evaluate, and mitigate emerging risks before they become costly disputes.”