Four Key Acoustic Considerations for Data Center Design

Data centers are the backbone of modern connectivity, innovation, and information security. As of 2023, over 5.4 billion people—more than two-thirds of the global population—use the internet, meaning the vast majority of the world now relies on data stored and processed in data centers every day.

While conversations often center around power, fiber connectivity, and security infrastructure, acoustic design is an essential and often overlooked element that significantly impacts operational success, regulatory compliance, and community relations.

At TEECOM, our integrated approach goes beyond typical acoustic consulting. By designing all technology systems within data centers, we gain an unparalleled understanding of operational needs, workflows, and user experiences. This deep integration allows us to deliver uniquely effective acoustic design solutions—whether in collaboration with our technology team or through dedicated standalone acoustic consulting services. Our mission is clear, to raise the bar for the entire data center industry.

Early Engagement - Strategic Site Evaluation and Due Diligence

Effective acoustic planning begins well before groundbreaking or even before a site is selected. We partner with hyperscalers, developers, and enterprise clients from initial site evaluations, helping them anticipate and mitigate environmental noise and vibration risks. Our comprehensive due diligence process includes:

• Assessing local noise ordinances and zoning constraints.
• Evaluating potential community impacts, such as proximity to residential neighborhoods or sensitive ecological zones.
• Anticipating future operational needs, including expansion potential and evolving regulations.

By addressing these elements proactively, we reduce risk, avoid costly surprises, and position projects for sustainable success and community acceptance.

Informed Decision Making - Advanced 3D Acoustic Modeling & Auralization

By leveraging advanced 3D acoustic modeling, clients gain the ability to visualize and understand how sound will move through and around the expansive data center facilities and sub-stations well before a shovel is in the ground, limiting design changes. This allows for precise planning and risk mitigation strategies to be implemented without compromising the operational needs. These modeling efforts and simulations prove key client benefits:

• Confident planning for equipment positioning including generators, cooling systems, and exhaust paths.
• Clear understanding of structural and topographical features such as terrain, façades, and shielding.
• Integration of innovative noise control measures including sound barriers and equipment-specific attenuation.

Beyond demonstrating regulatory compliance, our modeling helps clients proactively enhance community goodwill by establishing trust and demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

A mock environmental noise model illustrates predicted noise levels for a proposed rural data center site, accounting for nearby rail and highway activity. The visualization compares quietest and noisiest ambient conditions, with yellow/green indicating lower levels and red/purple indicating higher levels. This analysis supports informed noise mitigation strategies.

Occupant Experience - Thoughtful Interior Acoustic Design

Mission critical facilities are more than just the data halls with hot and cold aisles absent of people; they’re also workplaces that deserve intentional, human-centered design. Our team applies principles honed in commercial workplace acoustics to the unique environments of data centers. We focus on creating acoustic conditions that enable:

• Effective speech privacy in administrative, training, conference, and control areas.
• Reduced fatigue and improved cognitive function for on-site personnel.
• OSHA-compliant conditions in high-noise operational zones and supporting hearing protection policy development as required.

Our integrated technology-acoustics perspective helps align acoustic solutions directly with operational efficiency, safety, and workplace wellness.

Delivery - Construction Oversight and Performance Validation

Design intent is only valuable when executed properly. Throughout construction, our acoustic specialists proactively engage with construction teams, providing detailed oversight, validating installations, and addressing potential deviations before they become costly issues. Upon completion, we rigorously test and document acoustic performance, confirming regulatory and project-specific objectives are met or exceeded.

If unforeseen acoustic challenges arise, we eagerly diagnose and provide corrective recommendations, safeguarding the client’s investment and maintaining trust with both stakeholders and the surrounding community.

Commitment to Industry Leadership

Whether developing build-to-suit hyperscale facilities or multi-tenant colocation campuses, our goal remains the same: set a new standard for acoustic excellence across the data center industry. At TEECOM, acoustics for data centers is not merely a regulatory checkbox—it is foundational to sustainable operational success and community partnership.

TEECOM Can Help

TEECOM is a leader in providing innovative acoustics solutions across a wide variety of project types. With a strong focus on collaboration, TEECOM partners with stakeholders through all project phases to deliver high-quality, tailored acoustic designs that enhance user experience and functionality.

For more information on our services and how we can support your project, visit our website or contact Robby Deem at 708-808-2446.

About the Author

Robby Deem is a Principal and Senior Consultant at TEECOM, responsible for leading the acoustics design team and overseeing multidisciplinary projects including hyperscale data centers. He distills complex acoustic challenges into clear, actionable strategies, pairing his architectural-engineering background with performance-based, environmentally responsible solutions that serve clients, operations, and the surrounding communities alike.