It’s well known that some data centers consume copious amounts of energy to run and maintain servers, computer systems and other high-performance networking equipment. According to a report on energy efficiency by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the U.S., data centers account for 1.5 percent of all power used. That figure represents more energy consumed than the entire state of Mississippi and demand is expected to double by 2011. The result is that certain progressive data center providers have begun to emphasize sustainability in their facilities’ operations and some are even thinking outside the box to become better environmental stewards.

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility, Infomart Data Centers has recycled more 1.8 million pounds of steel, aluminum, copper, batteries and other materials in retrofitting its Ashburn facility. Infomart, a national wholesale carrier-neutral data center provider, has also contributed the proceeds to charities supporting the Northern Virginia population. Infomart Ashburn is sited at the former Dulles Technology Center in Loudoun County, Virginia, now owned by Infomart. The facility is the first purpose-built data center in the region and the recycling program is just one of the company’s sustainability initiatives.

“A key business challenge is how to align Infomart’s sustainability strategy with that of our clients, and we have achieved this by recycling, reusing and repurposing whenever possible,” stated Dan Ephraim, Vice President of Sales, Infomart Data Centers. “Our core objective is to think beyond the traditional construct of sustainability and identify new ways to responsibly extend the life of the property. Clients can feel confident that our commitment to sustainability is well-aligned with their corporate objectives.”

Phase 1 of Infomart Ashburn’s development pipeline comprises three 2MW – 3MW, 10,000-square-foot data center suites, with the facility capacity totaling 18 MW. The resilient and fortified facility features true 2N+1 IT critical power redundancy. This enables concurrent maintenance without interruption, while leveraging the regional climate for maximum efficiency. Additionally, through a Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) portal, Infomart will deliver real-time PUE metrics as well as mechanical and electrical infrastructure data, providing clients with maximum control and performance transparency. Infomart Ashburn also features industry-leading physical security layers that meet the requirements of enterprise, cloud, and federal agencies in housing their critical applications.

“Infomart Data Centers demonstrates exemplary environmental responsibility to the Loudoun community through its sustainability initiatives,” commented Buddy Rizer, Executive Director, Loudoun Economic Development. “Infomart is setting the standard with its material recycling initiatives, commitment to energy efficiency and its contributions to charities supporting the local community. I salute them for being an involved and engaged member of the local community.”

For more information about Infomart Ashburn, visit www.infomartdatacenters.com/locations/Ashburn/.

Interested parties can also schedule a tour of Infomart Ashburn by contacting Dan Ephraim at Dan.Ephraim@infomartdc.com, or by phone at 212-920-9555.