The SCOPE: Data centres and net zero communities
May 02, 2025
What value can data centres bring to their host communities, including economic growth, jobs, and sustainability?
The SCOPE is a podcast addressing important issues influencing the sustainable future of real estate, infrastructure, the environment, and communities.
As data centres become more noticeable in the community, we have a timely discussion about their value and how data centre operators are engaging with their host communities.
In this episode, our guests Emma Fryer, director public policy Europe at CyrusOne, Stephen Meleady, MEP director and data centres sector lead at Stantec, and James Donagh, development economics director at Stantec, delve into the stats and share their views and examples of how the industry is adapting as it grows.
They cover wealth creation, jobs, productivity, recycling waste heat, renewable energy, and community projects. They also share new ideas and explain the need for closer collaboration between data centre developers, local authorities, and other interested parties on local development plans.
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As the data center sector lead for Europe, Stephen’s experience spans the mission critical, advanced manufacturing, commercial and mixed-use sectors where he has designed, commissioned, and managed project delivery.
Contact Stephen -
James is a director of our national Development Economics team responsible for leading the production of development need, social value, impact analysis, and strategies to maximise local value added at all stages.
Contact James
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