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Meta explains that as it constructs new data centres to accommodate the growth of its business, it is focused on achieving net zero emissions across its value chain in 2030. Source: Timberbiz The key strategy is to reach net zero and reduce its emissions. Addressing the emissions associated with the construction and operations of physical infrastructure means that Meta must identify lower carbon alternatives for the materials used in these structures. Most data centres are constructed of concrete, structural steel and other pre-engineered metal. Meta aims to incorporate near-zero-emissions steel in its construction through membership in RMI’s Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform. But another building material will help close the gap to net zero – wood. In general, sustainably-sourced, bio-based materials like wood entail lower embodied carbon than engineered materials like concrete and steel, and these materials store carbon sequestered during the natural processes that created them. Meta started piloting mass timber in the construction of buildings in its data centre campuses in 2025. Meta’s first mass timber administrative building was erected at its Aiken, South Carolina, data centre campus by DPR with mass timber materials provided by SmartLam. Meta will now begin construction of additional mass timber buildings at its Cheyenne, Wyoming site with Fortis Construction and Mercer Mass Timber and at its Montgomery, Alabama site with Hensel Phelps and Binderholz. Looking ahead, the company will begin incorporating mass timber into additional administrative buildings, warehouses and even the critical data halls that house the servers that connect people to our platforms and bring our technologies to life. Incorporating mass timber in the construction of the data centre admin buildings will reduce the embodied carbon of the materials being substituted by approximately 41%. Mass timber products are largely prefabricated, reducing the need to weld steel on site. This can increase the speed at which buildings are constructed by several weeks, as well as eliminate emissions associated with the typical construction process. The lightweight nature of mass timber compared with steel can reduce the volume of concrete necessary for foundations, in some instances by half, further reducing cost and emissions associated with pouring concrete to support these buildings. Mass timber may be engineered to have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, making it a strong and suitable alternative in a data centre setting. Its density and a char layer make it reliably fire resistant, and it can be pre-insulated or pre-assembled to suit the required needs for each application, from roofs to walls. Research has shown that biophilic designs utilizing exposed mass timber in workspaces has the added benefit of helping building occupants feel connected to the natural environment. These new designs will reduce stress, boost morale, increase productivity and foster a sense of wellness for operations and facilities staff on site at our data centres. Mass timber is sourced from trees most commonly used in construction, including douglas fir, spruce, pine, and cedar. Meta requires third-party audits to ensure wood is sourced and milled responsibly. These audits must demonstrate that wood can be transparently traced to the forest of origin, and these forests must be managed for long-term ecological health and social impact, including safe working conditions and fair wages for local communities. Where structural integrity is ensured, mass timber manufacturers may also opt to utilize reclaimed wood salvaged from old buildings or other sources. Sustainable timber operations can complement forest conservation efforts in regions where the company can source mass timber for each of its data centre campuses. As it identifies mass timber suppliers for its new data centre campuses, the company prioritize vendors who demonstrate a commitment to climate smart forestry practices.

The post Meta looks to mass timber for a sustainable data centre appeared first on Timberbiz.

The redevelopment of the existing 1960s open air Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Amphitheatre envisions a revitalized, covered, open air theatre venue within the historic Hastings Park, one of Vancouver’s largest urban parks. Intended as a year-round destination, the Amphitheatre will be a hub for celebration, culture, and social connectivity for the local community and beyond. The amphiteatre is designed by revery architecture. Source: Timberbiz, photos courtesy PNE A key feature of the new amphitheatre will be its precedent-setting starburst mass timber arch roof. The roof will be one of the largest free-span timber roof structures in the world, reinterpreting traditional concrete shell typologies to harness the compression and carbon-sequestering capacity of mass timber to span more than 340 feet. The design features 60 arches arranged in 6-barrel vaulted segments that intersect at diagonal planes, creating 80-foot-high arcs that frame a perfect view of the picturesque North Shore Mountains for which Vancouver is known. Tracing the gentle slope of the nearby Windermere Hill, the roof form settles into the landscape on three points, creating an intimate atmosphere under the warm cover of the wood. Designed with flexible, state-of-the-art infrastructure, a generous permanent stage, and a 3-storey back-of-house building, the amphitheatre will host a wide range of community events and touring productions. Custom house lighting, rigging, and sound equipment will lower the cost of staging events and will thus enable the venue to see expanded uses for community groups and non-profit organizations. The venue will also embrace Indigenous culture and heritage community opportunities by offering a space for art, cultural events, and celebrations. A variety of seating areas will achieve functional versatility. The lower seating area is comprised of removable seating to adapt to standing-room-only for both intimate cultural ceremonies and large-scale performances. The mid-tier, fixed seating is elevated for optimal sightlines, ensuring that every audience member has a clear view of the stage. Nestled in between, VIP Box Suites place spectators right in the heart of the excitement. The addition of lawn seating amplifies the amphitheatre’s capacity, accommodating up to 10,000 people for more informal viewing and maximizing the effect of the site’s natural setting. Targeting Rick Hansen Gold certification and modelling an inspiring vision of accessible design, a generous ramp and stair network will flank the seating area at either side and provide equitable access while also creating moments of engagement and connection. By seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics, the grade, entrance plaza, and thoughtfully positioned ramps contribute to an inclusive and immersive experience. Beyond the well-established environmental benefits of mass timber construction (allowing the project to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 40% compared to baseline), the new Amphitheatre will employ numerous sustainable principles. The project will be 100% electric and near-zero emissions, is targeting LEED Gold and Salmon Safe Certifications, and will include a system to capture and clean the first 48mm of rainwater.

The post Vancouver to build the largest free span timber roof appeared first on Timberbiz.