Data centers face growing environmental challenges—from meeting strict regulatory requirements and reducing carbon emissions to managing water use, hazardous waste, and community impacts. As energy demands rise and stakeholder expectations increase, operators must balance compliance, sustainability, and performance across every stage of development and operation.
Montrose’s experienced team of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability consultants provides data centers with the specialized support needed to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Leveraging deep regulatory insight, technical expertise, and integrated thinking, we help clients improve facility performance, ensure workplace safety, and maintain compliance. From site selection and permitting to commissioning and ongoing operations, Montrose delivers end-to-end solutions that keep your data center running smoothly in an industry that’s quickly advancing.
Our Services
The early stages of data center development focus on evaluating potential sites, identifying environmental and community considerations, and assessing project viability. Activities often include site selection studies, environmental due diligence, feasibility analyses, and public outreach. Thoughtful planning at this stage lays the foundation for informed decision making and reduces risks later in the process.
Services we offer:
- Site selection
- Environmental due diligence
- Air and noise modeling
- Permitting feasibility studies
- Environmental justice and public outreach
- ESG monitoring and sustainability consulting
Before construction can begin, it’s important to understand the environmental conditions of a site and address any potential issues. This phase may involve site investigations, assessments for underground storage tanks, or evaluations of areas with past industrial use. If contamination is present, cleanup and remediation strategies are developed to ensure the site is safe and suitable for development.
Services we offer:
- Phase I & II environmental site assessments
- Site remediation planning
- Underground storage tank assessments
- Brownfield remediation
Data center projects must navigate a range of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements before moving forward. This stage involves obtaining permits related to air, water, waste, and land use, as well as coordinating with agencies on environmental reviews such as NEPA or CEQA. Public engagement and stakeholder involvement are key to addressing concerns and achieving project approvals.
Services we offer:
- NEPA/CEQA/SEQA
- Federal, state, and local permitting
- Biological/cultural resource surveys
- Public and stakeholder engagement support
- FERC and energy infrastructure permitting
- Water consumption analysis and balance
Designing a data center requires integrating environmental considerations into infrastructure planning. This includes modeling potential air emissions, evaluating stormwater systems, planning for spill prevention, and identifying compliance risks. Early integration of these factors helps create a sustainable, efficient, and regulatory-compliant facility design.
Services we offer:
- Air dispersion modeling
- Emissions inventory, control, and monitoring
- Technology analysis
- Spill prevention and waste management planning
- Stormwater and erosion control design
- Compliance risk assessment
- Water management
During construction, environmental oversight helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and reduces potential impacts. Common activities include monitoring stormwater, dust, and noise, implementing safety measures, and conducting inspections. Preparing for spill response and other incidents is also critical during this phase.
Services we offer:
- Construction stormwater monitoring
- Site safety planning, management, inspection, and monitoring
- Environmental inspection and compliance oversight
- Spill response and remediation readiness
Before a data center becomes fully operational, systems and equipment must be tested to confirm performance and compliance. This stage may include stack testing, leak detection, safety reviews, and verification of environmental controls. Thorough commissioning helps ensure a smooth transition to ongoing operations.
Services we offer:
- Stack testing and emissions verification
- Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs
- Compliance reporting (air, water, waste)
- Pre-startup safety reviews and action register tracking
- System audits and environmental readiness reviews
Once operational, data centers must maintain compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. This includes monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, managing waste and water use, and reporting on environmental performance. Continuous oversight and emergency preparedness are essential for long-term, reliable operations.
Services we offer:
- Ongoing environmental compliance
- Waste and water management
- Emergency response and 24/7 support
- Air quality and greenhouse gas tracking and reporting
Blogs
Data Centers and Policy Shifts: A New Era for Global Renewable Markets
Developers are facing a new set of strategic decisions that go far beyond power procurement. As the energy landscape shifts, so must the way developers think about location, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
How Regional Energy Hubs Like Pennsylvania Are Shaping the Future of U.S. Data Center Infrastructure
In this blog, we’ve outlined how energy-rich regions must adapt in the race to power AI through energy-first planning, faster permitting, early stakeholder engagement, and smarter management of grid and water constraints.
Future-Proofing Data Centers: Strategies for Emission Compliance and Sustainability
Discover key environmental strategies that help data centers ensure long-term sustainability, meet emissions compliance, and optimize operations.
Connect with an Expert
Montrose is composed of seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge in regulatory compliance and data center operations. We’re ready to optimize your data center operations.
