In a notable move towards advancing sustainable infrastructure, Meta has partnered with Amrize to co-develop an AI-optimized concrete specifically for their data centers. The collaboration includes the University of Illinois and aims to construct the newly underway data facility in Rosemount, Minnesota, with materials that offer high strength, manage set times effectively, and significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Utilizing open-source AI models, the research team has tailored this innovative concrete to meet these goals. The AI-driven formulation not only supports the structural requirements but also aligns with Meta’s broader goals of creating net-zero infrastructure.
Echoing this commitment, Julius Kusuma, a research scientist at Meta, stated, “We work to design our data centers as efficiently and sustainably as possible, while driving our AI ambitions forward.” They are eager to explore the enhanced material design for future projects.
The innovative ECOPact mix promises substantial carbon footprint reduction. Jaime Hill, president of Amrize Building Materials, emphasized the potential for this AI technology to optimize concrete for diverse performance demands in data centers, including strength, durability, and energy efficiency.
The partnership is also pursuing wider adoption of low-carbon, high-performance materials, facilitating sustainable construction at scale. By cutting the concrete’s carbon footprint by 35%, the ECOPact mix demonstrates the practical benefits of AI integration in building materials. Nishant Garg of the University of Illinois highlighted AI’s role in predicting mix properties, aiding in crafting optimal formulations for complex requirements.
According to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Meta is investing massively in data center infrastructure to support their ambitious AI pursuits. Such initiatives underscore their dedication to incorporating groundbreaking technologies, like AI-designed concrete, to meet environmental goals while advancing their technological capabilities.
