New Delhi : The ITC Sankhya Data Centre in Bengaluru has been awarded the highest LEED Platinum certification in the ‘Data Centre Category’ from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
This makes the ITC Sankhya the first data centre in the world to get a certification after the category was established in 2013. It has been acknowledged as a global exemplar in sustainability with LEED certification for all its premium luxury hotels, several of its factories and even employee residences.
ITC Sankhya, the primary data centre for all operations of the Company is located in the ITC campus in Cox Town, Bengaluru. With a footprint of 7,500 sqft, the centre is a four storied building, measuring a total of 30,000 sq ft.
The centre began operations in February 2015 and is one of the most energy efficient data centers across the globe. ITC has notched several world-firsts in LEED certification. The ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon is the world’s highest rated green building. ITC Grand Chola is the world’s largest LEED Platinum Hotel.
Therefore, sustainably built data centers are of critical importance today. A single data centre can use as much energy as a small town. However, ITC Sankhya data centre is powered by renewable energy as is the campus of ITC within which it is housed.
While a typical building is designed to meet heating and cooling needs for occupant comfort, a data centre has to provide massive cooling power for its servers. Water use is also a key target area for data centers, if the facility utilizes water for cooling. These specific building needs are built into the specifications for obtaining LEED certification for data centers.
Commenting on the achievement, Chitranjan Dar, Group Head, ITC’s Central Project Organization, research and Development and EHS said, “This is a proud moment for ITC and this LEED certification will be a cherished achievement in the Company’s sustainability journey. As a carbon, water and solid waste recycling positive company, we have endeavored to contribute to a better tomorrow. Our leadership to the green building movement in India through LEED certification is an important manifestation of our commitment to shape a sustainable future for the generations to come.”
“Every story about LEED is a story of leadership,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, Chief Operating Officer of USGBC and president of Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
“LEED is the premier global rating system for making sure that buildings are designed, constructed and operated so that they save energy, water and precious resources, reduce waste and carbon emissions and provide healthier environments for the people who use these buildings every day,” added Mahesh. (ANI-BWI)