Green Fannie Mae Data Center Has Saved Millions of Dollars in Energy Costs

Greener Buildings provided interesting coverage of the energy savings realized by a Fannie Mae Data Center.It is important to continue to look at just not the potential of new building projects but also actual performance numbers of existing buildings.

"With Earth Day around the corner, companies and organizations of all kinds are highlighting green achievements large and small. And mortgage company Fannie Mae is taking the opportunity to provide a look at the impacts of its green data center.Fannie Mae's 247,000 square foot data center was the first such facility certified by the U.S. Green Building Council to earn the LEED rating, back in 2005. In the ensuing years, the data center has saved the agency $1.7 million in energy use.

According to an article in TechTarget published at the time of the data center's launch:

    All of the mechanical, electrical and computer systems were selected for maximum energy efficiency, as well as lighting systems. The data center is expected to operate at a maximum of 125 watts per square foot.

    Other green strategies included putting catalytic converters on the backup power diesel generators, as well as minimizing the footprint of the data center.

    And while certifying a green facility can be an expensive process, Fannie Mae expects to save on operations and maintenance costs.

    "The Urbana Technology Center's LEED certification will translate into significant lifecycle savings, while providing our employees with a healthier, more comfortable work environment. It also allows us to be a good neighbor within the local community," Brian Cobb, Fannie Mae's senior vice president for enterprise systems management, said in a statement.

    The LEED standards cover more than just electrical efficiency, though. The UTC features recycled materials, low emission paints and carpeting, as well as sustainable landscaping features.Read more: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/04/20/five-years-first-leed-data-center-has-saved-millions?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GreenerBuildings+%28GreenBiz.com+%7C+Buildings%29#ixzz0lk2QODTh

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