Vantage Data Centers: pioneering biodiversity gains

In a landmark partnership, Vantage Data Centers (Vantage) and Ramboll have set a new standard for integrating biodiversity into data centre development at the Lighthouse Campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA. Leveraging Ramboll’s Americas Biodiversity Metric (ABM), the project demonstrates how innovative, science-based approaches can deliver measurable ecological gains while meeting operational needs.

Collaboration and expertise

From the outset, the project was defined by a strong, collaborative partnership between Vantage and Ramboll. Vantage is committed to creating long-term environmental and community benefits including efforts like achieving water positivity and LEED certification for the Lighthouse Campus. Vantage’s ambitions also include developing a plan for the site with biodiversity net gain (BNG) firmly in mind.

Ramboll’s world-class biodiversity experts were brought in to use quantified, science-based methods to evaluate the existing plan’s outcomes, and then to work closely with Vantage to ideate and co-develop a vision for the site that balances business objectives with ambitious ecological outcomes.

This partnership enabled the integration of cutting-edge biodiversity science into site planning and design – not just for this site but resulting in an ambitious blueprint for the future.

The development site

The effects of site development on biodiversity are often overlooked, including adverse impacts on wildlife and human communities from land use changes and habitat conversion, as well as noise, light, and other forms of pollution. However, by carefully considering these impacts and applying nature-based solutions, it is possible to not only significantly reduce or mitigate harm to wildlife and human populations, but in fact bring considerable and measurable benefits, creating a space where business, biodiversity and local communities thrive.

The Vantage Lighthouse Campus in Port Washington is one such site. It has an agricultural history, and this type of more intensive land use can affect local native habitats and impact biodiversity, soil and water quality. With careful consideration, this setting can provide unique opportunities to enhance previously underutilised, lower-quality habitats.

Applying the Americas Biodiversity Metric

The ABM, developed by Ramboll with support from NatureServe, provides a robust, habitat-centric framework for quantifying biodiversity impacts and opportunities. Using the ABM, the team assessed the baseline condition of the site as well as multiple development scenarios; from using standard mitigation and primarily native planting, to a design concept that leveraged native, nearby reference habitats to produce significant biodiversity gain potential. And the outcomes are striking.

Where a typical development project may have an uplift target of 10% BNG, Vantage had targeted a 40% uplift for the Lighthouse Campus. Ramboll’s team confirmed that this target was not only excellent but achievable by implementing a design concept that includes landscaping with native species, creating expanses of native grasslands, and adding pockets of regionally significant habitats.

Informing development for nature-positive outcomes

Using the ABM doesn’t just measure impacts; it actively informs the design process. By identifying areas to restore and enhance habitats of high conservation value, the project team identified opportunities to:

• Replace low-priority habitats with rare, native ecosystems.
• Enhance retained wetlands and forests.
• Integrate pollinator gardens and stormwater features designed for biodiversity.
• Create a diverse ecological zone that integrates with regional conservation areas, supporting migratory birds and pollinators like the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, with co-benefits for more than 100 additional native species of bees, butterflies, and birds.
• Enhance recreational experiences by adding unique and interesting landscape features along the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.

Ramboll’s work has also created a library of available options that may be incorporated into the design process at future development sites. These options offer a regional BNG blueprint focused on incorporating structurally diverse and regionally significant habitats aligned with local priorities, leveraging biodiversity to help address common data centre challenges, and identifying design tweaks to transform common low value habitats into those that are able to support diverse vegetation and wildlife communities.

A thoughtful, place-based approach

Ramboll’s on-the-ground methodology ensures that every intervention can be tailored to the unique characteristics of the site and its regional context. The design concept draws on local reference habitats, prioritising native species, and incorporating community and regulatory priorities. Nature-based solutions – such as vegetated berms for visual and noise screening – can be used to minimise impacts on wildlife and neighbours, while enhancing the site’s ecological value.

Emily Backus, Vantage’s North America Sustainability Director said, “We recognise our campus’ connection to the broader southeastern Wisconsin ecosystems; our efforts to achieve biodiversity net gain are part of our overall commitment to strengthen that connection by maintaining thriving natural, native landscapes throughout the campus".

Delivering lasting value

The approach used in this project can help track biodiversity gains and losses at the Lighthouse Campus and highlights the feasibility and potential ecological benefits of embedding biodiversity considerations into site selection and design. Similar processes can be incorporated into best management practices to guide future site selection and development, ultimately contributing to reduced or net positive biodiversity impacts across Vantage’s portfolio.

Resource links:

Ramboll: Measuring biodiversity

Vantage: Building Wisconsin’s digital future