Data centers can use 100 to 200 times the energy as typical office spaces. These are prime targets for energy-efficient design initiatives that can save money and reduce electricity usage due to their high-power consumption. The vital existence of data center loads, on the other hand, elevates specific design requirements.

The most important factors are reliability and high-power density capability, which are much more important than performance. Short design cycles often leave little time to thoroughly evaluate efficient design opportunities or consider the first cost versus life cycle cost issues. It can result in designs that are simply scaled-up versions of traditional office space approaches or designs that reuse techniques and requirements that have previously performed “well enough” without regard for energy efficiency. Customers are advised of practical and realistic alternatives to data center design and operating procedures and energy efficiency retrofit opportunities based on standards and best practices.