Can Data Centers Operate Sustainably? Data Holdings Shows Us That it is Possible

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By: Amber Williams

Data Holdings is a data colocation center located in Milwaukee and was formed by the Forest County Potawatomi tribe 14 years ago. Many people may not realize that the building is a data center as they are driving on Highland Ave, and that was intentional. Data Holdings prides itself on being community-centered and protecting the community they serve.

SBC Data Holdings Tour

Data Centers have been the talk of many in recent years, and rightfully so. The three main complaints that we see about data centers are:

Water Usage
Power Costs
Noise

During the SBC Data Holdings tour on June 17, Ryan Brooks and Ryne Cooper explained that “Everything at the center is on purpose and the impact was thought about.” Data Holdings has created a space that intentionally addresses all three concerns surrounding data centers.

The facility is designed for energy efficiency:

Advanced cooling systems
A large urban solar field
Energy-saving operational protocols that helped them earn LEED Gold status

The facility uses a closed-loop cooling system supplying cool air only where it matters, providing cooling and energy efficiency. The facility has a PUE (power usage efficiency) of 1.28, meaning for every $1 they use to power the facility; it costs only $0.28 to cool it.

Data Holdings’ clients also have the ability to power their equipment with 100% renewable energy, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting cleaner energy initiatives.

Sustainability is a priority for Data Holdings

Data Holdings is a member of SBC, and they collaborate with other forward-thinking organizations to advance sustainability in the region. Data Holdings also does a yearly sustainability study where they have professionals come in to analyze what they can improve and what systems they can change. With this study, they have been able to add a significant number of customers while using less power.

Since they opened their doors, they have 100% up time, which is “unheard of in the data industry,” Cooper explains. Data Holdings shows us that “You can do it right and have better performance.”