NetApp has the distinction of being the first data center to win the coveted Energy Star for data centers label from the Environmental Protection Agency.  The guidelines (of course) are already receiving some criticism, but when facilities feature as much variety in style and location as data centers do, this is to be expected.

Not only did NetApp get the Energy Star - they scored ninety-nine out of a hundred possible points.  Only seventy-five points are required to secure the certification.

The facility is an excellent example for other companies looking to improve energy efficiency and is frequently toured by data center representatives looking into the matter.  They use overhead air distribution instead of a raised-floor strategy - and clearly it's working out for them.  They're also able to use outside-air cooling at their location in North Carolina, maintaining an average temperature of 74 degrees inside.

The honor of receiving the first Energy Star certification definitely seems deserved, since NetApp apparently saves 95,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

As I've often discussed, although at first the systems are bound to be flawed, it's important to strive for consistency between facilities in the interest of protecting the environment and ensuring the best possible service to customers.

See the article at greenbiz.com for more.

-Elizabeth English