Trump’s Executive Order Unleashes A Data Centre Real Estate Revolution

On July 23, 2025, US President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) to “facilitate rapid, efficient data center buildout nationwide”. Framed as vital for America’s AI and manufacturing leadership, it targets lengthy federal reviews as obstacles – directing agencies to accelerate permitting, unlock land supply, boost investment and drive job creation.

Turning legacy sites into data hubs
The Executive Order significantly expands site availability by promoting brownfield and Superfund site redevelopment into data centre campuses. This repositions previously idle or contaminated land as valuable digital real estate. It also authorizes the Departments of the Interior, Energy and Defense to approve construction on designated federal lands – unlocking large tracts near national labs, military bases and substations that were once off-limits. Developers can now pursue a broader land pipeline, shifting beyond traditional hyperscale markets into underserved regions.

Cutting red tape, fast-tracking power projects
Projects requiring 100MW or more of new load, semiconductor fabs or major networking hubs now qualify for expedited FAST-41 review. By leveraging existing exemptions and introducing new ones, agencies are instructed to compress NEPA, Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act reviews that previously spanned months or even years. Developers that invest in pre-emptive geotechnical, environmental and grid interconnection studies will secure a decisive first-mover advantage.

Incentivizing the next wave of digital infrastructure
Complementing regulatory relief, the EO directs the Secretary of Commerce to deploy loans, grants and tax incentives for qualifying developments. Federal capital access reduces financing risk, makes marginal projects viable and encourages private-sector co-investment. This infusion of public support is poised to spark a new wave of data infrastructure development.

Land values shift as new markets heat up
The accelerated approval process and broader site eligibility will reshape land and lease markets. Brownfield and federal parcels – once discounted due to remediation costs or permitting challenges – are now likely to command premium prices. In contrast, conventional suburban and exurban sites may see price stabilization as competition shifts. Investors should prepare for tighter spreads and rising interest in secondary and emerging markets.

Building smart and building fast
Construction technology and facilities management (FM) will play a critical role in meeting the speed and scale required by the EO. Developers must embrace digital-first methods to streamline delivery and long-term operations. Integrated digital workflows – particularly building information modelling (BIM) with environmental overlays – allow civil, structural, MEP and electrical teams to collaborate concurrently, significantly accelerating timelines. Real-time data from drones and IoT sensors feed into digital twins, enabling continuous quality assurance. Modular fabrication methods, including factory-built MEP skids, precast shells and server pods, reduce on-site labour and ensure consistent quality.

To maximize efficiency from the outset, project teams should implement advanced FM platforms early in the planning phase. These platforms can ingest telemetry from UPS systems, chillers and meters – using AI to predict failures in advance. Live dashboards monitor power usage effectiveness (PUE), water consumption and carbon intensity. Unified platforms integrating CMMS, BMS and DCIM enable efficient remote management of multi-site portfolios, supporting smarter, faster builds.

ESG still matters, even without mandates
Although the EO rescinds prior DEI and climate requirements for federal projects, ESG considerations remain essential. Voluntary commitments – zero-carbon design, on-site renewables, water-efficient cooling and transparent community outreach – will differentiate projects, attract tenants and support long-term value.

A strategic playbook for data centre leaders
This EO reshapes the US data centre landscape, redefining where and how quickly new campuses can rise. To capitalize on this, stakeholders should:

1. Audit portfolios for brownfield and federal land potential.
2. Frontload due diligence with environmental and grid studies.
3. Embed sustainable technologies, from modular construction to predictive FM.

By acting decisively and embracing new tools and policies, developers and investors can do more than adapt – they can lead. This is not just a policy change; it’s a generational opening to build the backbone of America’s AI-powered future.

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