| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.17 |
| Liaison | Mark Klapatch-Mathias |
| Submission Date | Feb. 27, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Steve
Reed Director Division of Technology Services |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
In 2008, UWRF began the design process to build a new Data Center that would consolidate 6 server locations scattered around campus into one central location in the Davee Library. Two primary justifications for building the new Data Center were:
1) To improve cooling efficiency for electronic equipment
2) Provide full back-up, on-site generator power for all server equipment
Design solutions that were considered for the new Data Center included the traditional raised floor architecture for distribution of cooling air with Computer Room A/C (CRAC) Units and a new concept using hot aisle containment and in-row cooling. The hot aisle/in-row cooling was favored by UWRF Division of Technology Services and Facilities Management Staff as a more efficient way of providing cooling.
This cooling solution was previously untried in any State of Wisconsin Facility, and was rejected by the Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development (DFD) staff, who ultimately have control on all new construction projects for Wisconsin State Operated Facilities.
Finally, through persistence and with the help of the project Engineering Team, UWRF was able to convince DFD staff that the hot aisle/in-row cooling solution would be both more energy efficient and have a lower first cost. Final plans were completed and the Data Center was built.
Since this project was completed and has shown to be successful at UWRF it can be used as an example for other Data Center upgrades across the state.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
Energy consumption for, the Data Center, including cooling, for 2014 was 510,000 kWh. This is compared to approximately 800,000 kWh per year for the previous combined data centers.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | No |
| Research | No |
| Campus Engagement | No |
| Public Engagement | No |
| Air & Climate | No |
| Buildings | Yes |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | No |
| Transportation | No |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | No |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.