Data centre in Virginia, USA
Extreme energy efficiency demands for LEED Gold and Silver Sustainability certifications
Deep in what is known as “Data Center Alley,” a global data center, co-location and peering services provider acquired over 485,000 sqm (120 acres) in Virginia to build a vast, multi-building data center campus. This multiple structure expansion project with over 46,000 sqm (500,000 square foot) of space and lengths of refrigerant piping needed to be energy-efficient as these facilities boast a low power cost and LEED® Gold and Silver Sustainability certifications.
Armacell addresses the challenge of installation in tight spaces within a short project timeline
Each of the new buildings in this project housed data center cooling systems and refrigerant piping on roof tops. Each building had over 53,000 m (175,000 ft) of piping and the team estimated that would require over 122,000m (400,000 ft) of Armacell insulation to complete. The contractors knew this project would be a challenge due to the sheer volume of the prefabricated refrigerant piping racks needing insulation. The installers were also working in tight areas due to the piping being clustered closely together on the racks so it was important for insulation material to be installed easily in small spaces without quality concerns.The construction teams, contractors and insulators worked together diligently and even though this large project had difficult site constraints and weather delays, the team overcame these issues, delivering on budget and on schedule.
When working in small spaces particularly at a critical facility, the job needs to be done correctly the first time. There is no room for error as once those areas are insulated and covered up, we cannot go back into them. Product selection and installation is crucial.
Matt Stillitano, Vice President at Insul-Tech, Inc. Insulation contractors of this project.
Close up photos of the project
