Nebraska Welcomes Its First LEED Gold Data Center

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha-Midlands Data Center is creating new standards in data center green design. The new center, owned by Cosentry, is one of only two data centers in the world to receive LEED Gold certification in a 12-month period and is the first data center in Nebraska to receive the distinction.

“We are honored to have exceeded our own efficiency forecast and earned LEED Gold certification this year. It means that our Omaha-Midlands Data Center has been proven to achieve market leading energy efficiency in practice, unlike the theoretical efficiency of newly constructed data centers,” said Jason Black, vice president of data center services for Cosentry, in a statement. “Thanks to the vision and execution of the data center management team, Cosentry has set the industry efficiency benchmark in the market for data center providers.”

In total, only 21 data centers in the U.S. have achieved LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features at the center include EPA-certified generators with fuel polishing systems and a high-efficiency N+1 chilled water system with water-sized economizer. The building is also among the top 10 percent of data centers in the nation for energy efficiency.

“As a result of the energy-saving measures implemented at the Omaha-Midlands facility, Cosentry has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars a year by reducing power and water consumption as well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions,” said Brad Hokamp, CEO with Cosentry, in a statement. “These savings, realized by energy efficiency, have led to operational improvements and cost savings for Cosentry clients across our network of data centers.”

Altus Architectural Studios provided architectural services and Morrissey Engineering provided mechanical, electrical and technology design, existing building commissioning and LEED consulting on the project. Both firms are based in Omaha, Neb.

“This project meets the intent of the LEED program in the truest sense by going above and beyond to decrease its environmental footprint and by documenting compliance through third party certification,” said Sarah Gudeman, mechanical engineer and energy analyst with Morrissey Engineering, in a statement. “The Omaha-Midlands Data Center is performing in the top tier of large data centers and maximizing its triple bottom line. This takes real commitment from Cosentry, as well as strong leadership and vision.”