Smart Tech News: Vantage LEED Platinum Candidate Data Center Tour (May 9 2011)

Vantage Data Centers
Photo: Mary Vincent

By Mary Vincent - Follow on Twitter @MaryVincent

I attended the 2011 Uptime Institute Symposium Vantage Data Center Santa Clara, California Tour.

Vantage built to the LEED Platinum Specifications and was commissioned at 1.20 PUE in early January (using airside economization) and 1.29 under full ops load with chillers on). It is the largest LEED Platinum candidate data center campus project in the US and is anticipating certification on their first building in early Summer and the second beginning in the Fall after its construction is completed. Further details on the LEED Platinum-Specific Solutions are below courtesy of Vantage Data Centers as well as some of my tour pictures.

- Servers: Toshiba G9000

- Security: Two Factor Authentication (Biometric Authentication minimum at all egress and ingress checkpoints - this looks at your blood vessels). CC IP HD camera monitoring throughout the entire facility. PTZ camera monitoring for all building and campus external space(s). Vantage–staffed guard station access at all main lobby areas. Two–factor campus perimeter gate control at all gates. Two–factor central plant area access, mission critical area access, and all transport/delivery access.

Substations: Dedicated dual-fed 50 MW

Palm Secure
Photo: Mary Vincent

Specific solutions were applied to address the following environmental concerns:
 Water Conservation
 Energy Conservation
 Material Selection
 Indoor Air Quality

 Site Development

 Responsible Commuting

Water Efficiency Challenge
The current freshwater consumption in the U.S. exceeds what is returned to the natural water system to recharge aquifers and other water sources putting the country in a freshwater deficit.
Solution
Vantage Data Centers has incorporated several water-saving strategies into the building and site, significantly reducing the building’s potable consumption for plumbing fixtures and irrigation when compared to traditional building applications.
Strategies
 Water-Efficient Landscaping
– Native and drought-tolerant plants have been installed and are irrigated with recycled water.
 Low-Flow Fixtures
– Water-efficient faucets, toilets, and urinals have been installed to reduce the overall water use of the campus.

Energy & Atmosphere Challenge
Buildings consume a significant portion of the overall energy used in the United States annually. Electricity generated by fossil fuels such as oil and coal has countless negative environmental impacts associated with it including the extraction, transport, refining, and distribution of these raw materials. Coal mining destroys habitats and ruins landscapes. Fossil fuel-based generation of
electricity releases carbon dioxide into the air which plays a key role in global climate change.
Solution
Vantage Data Centers has taken considerable strides to reduce their overall energy usage in the building. Energy conservation strategies are integrated into the building design to significantly reduce energy consumption compared to a standard code compliant building.
Strategies
 Structure and Insulation:
– The concrete walls and efficient roof insulation reduce the demand on the heating and cooling system.
 Lighting Design and Windows
– Smart lighting design and motion sensors ensure lights are only used when necessary. Efficient windows help prevent excessive heat gain and loss to and from the building.
 Equipment and Appliances
– ENERGY STAR products reduce the electricity needed for equipment and appliances.

Material & Resources Challenge
Negative environmental impacts are associated with the extraction, processing and transportation
necessary to manufacture and deliver construction materials to the building site. Activities involved with the creation of building materials may pollute the air and water, destroy natural habitats and deplete natural resources.
Solution
The Vantage Data Centers construction team purchased materials from manufacturers that incorporated recycled content into their products, thus reducing the amount of materials that end up in the nation’s landfills. For all wood on the project, the team purchased only from companies supplying wood from a sustainably managed forest.
Strategies
 Recycled Content
– Over 40% of the materials used in the building were made with recycled content.
 Sustainable Forested Wood
– 100% of all wood products used in the building were made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified wood.
 Refurbished Materials
– 90% of all furniture used on the project came from refurbished sources.

Indoor Air Quality Challenge
Poor indoor air quality that resulting from inadequate ventilation, water treatment, and distribution of particulates and hazardous fumes through the ventilation system can have a negative impact on building occupants. Building Related Illness (BRI) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are two conditions that can result from poor indoor air quality. Symptoms of SBS range from discomfort problems affecting the eyes, nose and throat while more serious BRI can take the form of asthma and allergies. These conditions can result productivity losses due to sick employees.
Solution
The Vantage Data Centers design team incorporated several strategies into the design of the building that protects both construction workers, as well as building occupants from the negative impacts associated with poor indoor air quality.
Strategies
 Superior Ventilation
– Office spaces are supplied 30% more fresh air than required by building code.
 Healthy Building Materials
– All paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpet products do not contain harmful pollutants.
 Air Quality Management
– The construction team followed strict instructions to prevent pollution during construction. An air flush out was conducted prior to move-in.

Innovation & Design Challenge
Designing an energy efficient and environmentally responsive building will only produce long term benefits if it is properly maintained. Therefore, on-going building operations is critical to the achievement of sustainable design goals.
Solution
The Vantage Data Centers operations team has developed procedures to support the sustainable design goals of the project. These efforts focus on continuous improvement.
Strategies
 Energy Use Monitoring
– Building energy use data will be analyzed to ensure that energy systems operate as designed.
 Green Cleaning Program
– All cleaning projects are GREEN SEAL certified and do not negatively contribute to indoor air quality.
 Recycling and Composting Program
– Recycling and compost bins are placed throughout the campus to ensure minimize the amount of waste going to the landfill.

Sustainable Sites Challenge

The use of automobiles contributes to air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

In addition, increased vehicles on the road means more traffic congestion, noise pollution, and requires increased infrastructure for roadways and parking lots.

Solution

Vantage Data Centers is committed to encouraging building occupants to utilize alternative forms of transportation and promoting the use of vehicles that reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Strategies

 Public Transportation Access

– Two bus stops for SAMTrans and CALTrain are located within a ¼ mile of the campus.

 Bicycling Facilities

– Bicycle storage facilities and showers are provided for employees and visitors.

 Preferred Parking for Carpools and Low-Emitting Vehicles

– Designated parking spaces have been provided for carpools and low-emitting vehicles.