Biodiversity and ecosystems
Felicia Chou
May 18, 2026
Ramboll, Vantage Data Centers raise bar for biodiversity in data center development
Ramboll and Vantage Data Centers have developed conceptual plans capable of achieving a 60% biodiversity gain at the Lighthouse Campus in Wisconsin. This significantly exceeds the typical industry benchmark of a 10% increase. These designs aim to support wildlife and the broader community by establishing native habitats of regional significance and implementing targeted habitat improvements to address development-related concerns such as noise, light, and visual impacts.
Ramboll and Vantage Data Centers have reached new heights on incorporating biodiversity into data center development, by developing conceptual design plans capable of achieving an ambitious 60% increase in local biodiversity value compared to the intensive land use baseline at Vantage’s Lighthouse Campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
The approach used here significantly exceeds the typical industry benchmark of a 10% increase and is underpinned by designs that prioritize native plant landscaping, the establishment of native meadows and grasslands, and the incorporation of regionally significant habitats to enhance ecological value.
Vantage demonstrates how biodiversity can be thoughtfully integrated into data center development, and how such developments can profoundly improve the local environment for native plants and wildlife. Human progress and healthy ecosystems are not mutually exclusive; with thoughtful planning, we can all grow and thrive together.
Managing Director of Ramboll in the Americas
The Lighthouse Campus has an agricultural legacy, and this type of intensive land use can affect local habitats and biodiversity, as well as soil and water quality. In response, the biodiversity design concept combines nature‑based solutions to minimize development‑related impacts such as light and noise pollution on wildlife and nearby communities with targeted habitat enhancements. These include wetland and forest improvements, pollinator gardens, forested buffers, and biodiversity‑supportive stormwater features, as well as the establishment of tallgrass prairie habitat.
Together, these elements create a diverse ecological mosaic that integrates with regional conservation areas and addresses local priorities for migratory birds and pollinators, including the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, while delivering broader benefits for many other native species.
“We recognize 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," said Emily Backus, Vantage’s North America Sustainability Director.
Ramboll’s biodiversity specialists brought a quantified, science-based approach to site planning using our Americas Biodiversity Metric (ABM).
Want to know more?
Dan Rockefeller
Managing Consultant
+1 315-400-5898
