**NIMBYs Say OK to Data Centers**
Just about every real estate developer has encountered some form of community resistance—commonly known as “Not In My Backyard” or NIMBY sentiment. From affordable housing to infrastructure projects, pushback is all too common. Yet, a recent survey reveals one commercial real estate type that is largely avoiding this trend: data centers.
Airedale by Modine’s latest “Data Center Neighborhood Survey Report” found that data centers are being embraced by communities more readily than other kinds of development.
**Key Survey Findings:**
– 70% of respondents said they are comfortable with a data center being located within a few miles of their homes.
– 55% support offering tax incentives to encourage data center developments.
– 59% believe data centers are essential to maintaining the United States’ global leadership in technology and innovation.
However, not all feedback was positive. Community concerns highlighted issues including:
– Increased energy consumption and potential noise pollution.
– A need for more local community engagement, with 62% indicating that data center owners’ contributions to local initiatives would improve public perception.
When asked about the long-term community impact of data centers, opinions were mixed:
– 45% believe data centers would have a positive impact, with 11% anticipating strong benefits and 35% expecting moderate gains.
– 37% think there would be no noticeable effect.
– 19% fear slight or severe negative consequences.
“Given that cooling technology is one of the biggest drivers of power usage, innovations in efficient and sustainable cooling could be a game-changer in shaping how communities perceive the industry’s presence in their backyard,” the report stated.
The survey also found that Americans generally understand the importance of data centers. When asked about their function:
– 75% said data centers store and process digital information.
– 59% recognized their role in supporting businesses.
– 54% identified their importance in securing IT infrastructure.
– 52% said they power internet connectivity.
– 48% noted their support of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
“This survey underscores a fundamental shift in how people perceive data centers—not as an abstract piece of infrastructure, but as a critical backbone of our digital lives,” said Kimberly Raduenz, Airedale’s Marketing Manager – North American Data Centers.
Raduenz added that the public increasingly appreciates data centers’ role in ensuring internet reliability and global competitiveness. “At the same time, concerns about energy use and environmental impact remain top of mind, making it clear that future expansion must prioritize efficiency and sustainability,” she said.
