PNW Climate Week 2026 – Data Center Building System Design for Energy & Water Efficiency

About the event

See Luma for the most updated information on this event, and the full list of PNW Climate Week events in Portland HERE!

​Data Center Building System Design for Energy & Water Efficiency

​Join us for a presentation on Data Center Building System Design for Energy & Water Efficiency, exploring how data centers are designed and operated to meet growing demands while minimizing environmental impact.

​This session will cover key topics including data center types, energy and water consumption patterns, load growth forecasts in the Pacific Northwest, and an introduction to current energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.4. The presentation will also highlight strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing water use, along with a forward-looking discussion on emerging opportunities in the sector.

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​Presenter: Ben Burnett, PAE

​Ben is a mechanical engineer with PAE, a national leader in sustainable design. His focus is on using energy modeling to inform the design of energy efficient and comfortable buildings. Ben’s resume includes multiple LEED rated or registered projects, including the LEED Platinum, Net-Positive Energy Innovation Center for the Rocky Mountain Institute. Ben holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University, where he studied building science and urban climate as part of the Green Building Research Laboratory. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Oregon State University.