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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.

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