Reports & Research
The Health Risks of Data Centres
Download the EHP Health Risks Diagram (PDF) - This visual reference from the Environmental Health Project (EHP) maps out the physical hazards data centres introduce to nearby residential neighborhoods. From continuous low-frequency noise and 24/7 light pollution to localized air emissions and massive water consumption, this diagram breaks down why host communities require strict planning protections.
EHP is a public health advocacy organization composed of toxicologists, epidemiologists, and environmental health experts who assist communities facing industrial and energy infrastructure threats.
Environmental Cost of AI’s Energy Use: Carbon, Water, and Land Footprints
Read the UNU-INWEH Report - This report provides a comprehensive analysis showing that AI data centers carry significant material footprints beyond just carbon emissions. It quantifies how massive power and cooling demands directly strain regional water tables, local land use, and municipal utility infrastructure.
UNU-INWEH is the UN’s academic think tank on water, based right here in Ontario (Richmond Hill). It provides evidence-based research to help global leaders address water security and environmental sustainability challenges.
Global Data Center Expansion and Human Health: A Call for Empirical Research
Read the Study on PMC - Published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, this study addresses the underreported public health risks associated with data center expansion. It evaluates how continuous high-decibel HVAC noise, localized diesel backup emissions, and massive freshwater draws impact neighboring communities and residential health.
Hosted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the NIH, PubMed Central is a trusted digital archive for peer-reviewed, biomedical, and public health literature.
How Data Center Growth Impacts U.S. Electricity Grids and Climate Goals
Read the WRI Analysis - WRI examines the macro-economic and grid impacts of the rapid surge in data center development. The report details how sudden baseload energy demands strain regional utility capacity, drive up grid expansion costs, and risk shifting grid infrastructure costs onto general utility ratepayers.
WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, focusing on the intersection of the environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being.
The Dangers of Data Centers: Community Health & Environmental Impacts
Read the Environmental Health Project Brief - EHP synthesizes the everyday physical impacts data centers impose on host towns. The brief breaks down the cumulative risks of continuous 24/7 low-frequency noise (which causes sleep disruption and chronic stress), light pollution, air emissions from backup generators, and local water supply depletion.
EHP is a public health advocacy organization composed of toxicologists, epidemiologists, and environmental health experts who assist communities facing industrial and energy infrastructure threats.
Legal & Policy Documents
About the Federal Principles - "The Illusion of Guidelines"
Review the official federal framework via Canada's Responsible Data Centre Development Principles. For a detailed breakdown of the legal gaps, voluntary commitments, and environmental loopholes in these guidelines, read our analysis: Why Canada's "Responsible Data Centre Principles" Won't Protect Oakville.
Ontario Playbook - "The Power Grid Reality"
Review the official provincial strategy via Ontario's Data Centre Playbook. For a detailed breakdown of grid connection thresholds, electricity rate risks, and provincial fast-tracking loopholes in this framework, read our analysis: The Ontario Data Centre Playbook - Legal Power, But Dangerous Loopholes.