365 Main is partnering with ENERGY STAR (News - Alert) to become, it claims, the first data center solutions company to do so. The deal calls on 365 Main to take part in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) development of an ENERGY STAR rating for data center facilities.

 

Data centers consume a substantial and increasing amount of energy to run the networking and data storage equipment housed in them, as well as to cool that equipment. The EPA in 2007 estimated that data centers consumed about 1.5 percent of total U.S. electricity during 2006. This is similar to the amount of electricity consumed by 5.8 million average U.S. households. Such consumption likely will double by 2011 if steps are not taken to curb it.

 

365 Main plans to measure and track energy performance wherever possible, using tools such as those offered by ENERGY STAR. The company will develop and implement a plan consistent with ENERGY STAR guidelines to achieve energy savings. It will also educate its staff and the public about ENERGY STAR achievements.

 

“365 Main brings to the table our expertise from operating more than one million square feet of data center space nationwide across five facilities, as well as our experience with reducing energy use through green programs offered by PG&E (News - Alert) and our involvement with groups such as the Green Grid and U.S. Green Building Council,” said J.P. Balajadia, SVP of engineering for 365 Main, in a statement.

 

Strategic energy management is a critical element in the climate change efforts underway by the EPA. 365 believes that, by joining ENERGY STAR, it will help lead the way to greater energy savings in the data center industry and real results for the environment.