Data centers account for 1.5 percent of the total U.S. electricity consumption at a cost of $4.5 billion annually, an amount that is expected to almost double over the next five years according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In an attempt to reduce that energy use and cost, EPA announced recently that stand-alone data centers and buildings that house large data centers can now earn the Energy Star label.

To earn the label, data centers must be in the top 25 percent of their peers in energy efficiency according to EPA’s energy performance scale. Prior to receiving the Energy Star, a third-party licensed professional must independently verify the energy performance of these buildings and sign and seal the application document that is sent to EPA for review and approval.

For information on how data centers and related buildings can improve energy efficiency, save money and qualify for the Energy Star rating, please contact Steve O’Day. Information is also available on EPA’s website here.