Aug 5 2010
Involta announced today that its data center facility in Marion, Iowa has been awarded LEED® Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Involta's high-security co-location data center is the first of its kind in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor. The data center houses mission critical computer systems and related components for area businesses, government and educational institutions. The facility is a stable, predictable, high-performance data center complete with environmental systems and controls, redundant back-up power, specialized fire suppression, and reinforced concrete building construction. The 20,000 square foot facility features 10,000 square feet of conditioned data center space for housing mission critical computer systems.
Involta data center in Marion, Iowa
The Involta data center achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified building save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
"Involta's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Involta serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."
LEED certification of the Involta data center was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:
- Reduced Site Disturbance
- Storm Water Management
- Landscape and Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands
- Light Pollution Reduction
- Water Efficient Landscaping
- Overall Water Use Reduction
- Minimum Office Space Energy Performance
- CFC Reduction in HVAC Equipment
- Construction Waste Management
- Recycled Building Content
- Local/Regional Construction Materials
- Certified Wood
- CO2 Monitoring
- Increased Ventilation Effectiveness
- Maximum Controllability of Environmental Systems
- Thermal Comfort Management
- Daylight and Views
"Both high energy costs and environmental concerns have challenged technology companies to find innovative ways in which to manage and reduce energy usage," said Bruce Lehrman, CEO of Involta. "Achieving LEED certification is one way in which companies can contribute locally to what is increasingly a global challenge. We are pleased to have achieved our goal of receiving this certification for the Marion data center."
Source: http://www.involta.com/