Turner Construction has officially broken ground on a massive $10 billion data center campus for Meta in Lebanon, Indiana. The sprawling four-million-square-foot facility is set to become a critical hub for Meta's AI technologies and other digital products.
With a planned computing capacity of 1GW, the data center represents a significant investment in high-performance infrastructure. The project aims to support Meta's growing technological demands while highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable development. The facility is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, featuring a closed-loop liquid cooling system to recirculate water efficiently. Additionally, Meta has committed to covering all energy costs for the data center and restoring all water consumed back into the local water supply.
Ben Kaplan, managing director of Turner Construction Company, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "The scale of the Lebanon Data Center reflects the growing demand for high-performance infrastructure. We look forward to working alongside Meta and applying our integrated services and deep mission-critical experience to deliver this data centre safely, sustainably, and efficiently while supporting the long-term growth of the Lebanon community."
The construction phase is expected to create 4,000 jobs at its peak, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Once operational, the facility will sustain 300 permanent jobs, further contributing to economic growth in the region. As Meta’s second data center in Indiana, the Lebanon site will join its network of 27 facilities across the United States and 31 globally.
Although the project aims to mitigate environmental impact, large data centers often face criticism for their extensive water usage. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, similar facilities can consume up to five million gallons of water per day, equating to the daily needs of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Meta has encountered opposition over water concerns in the past, with residents near other data center projects voicing frustration over disruptions to local water supplies. Data Centre Watch reports that $64 billion worth of data center projects have been delayed or blocked due to such community resistance.
Turner Construction and Meta’s collaboration on this ambitious project signals a bold step toward addressing the technological demands of the future while navigating sustainability challenges. As construction progresses, the Lebanon data center will likely serve as a benchmark for balancing infrastructure growth with community and environmental responsibility.
For contractors interested in construction opportunities on the project, additional information is available through official channels.
