Microsoft is experimenting with sustainable building techniques for its new datacenters in northern Virginia, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials. The project introduces cross-laminated timber (CLT) as an alternative to conventional steel and concrete. This hybrid construction approach combines mass timber, steel, and concrete, reducing the embodied carbon footprint of the datacenters by an estimated 35% compared to steel-only structures, and by 65% compared to standard precast concrete. CLT’s fire-resistant properties make it a viable and environmentally friendly building option.    Microsoft’s shift to hybrid timber construction ...