Iron Mountain constructs first-ever BREEAM certified data center

Iron Mountain Data Centers has added another layer to its sustainability efforts, after it secured BREEAM design certification for its Phoenix, AZ (AZP-2) data center. This makes the data center company the first in North America to receive "top tier certification" for sustainable construction. According to Chris Pennington, the director of energy and sustainability at Iron Mountain, this kind of intentional design and construction optimizes performance, which he said will help to ensure a "sustainable, interconnected future." The project was also joined by third-party assessor team Longevity Partners, which specializes in multi-disciplinary energy and sustainability.

The facility's design prioritized detailed energy use simulations and models, and building material selection was carefully considered. The data center's design also reduces water consumption by over 50%.

Pennington explained: "BREEAM certification demonstrates a comprehensive approach to achieve results – from site selection and materials to energy use and the well-being of future occupants – and we look forward to continued partnerships with sustainability experts like BREEAM and Longevity Partners to demonstrate leadership for ESG performance and green buildings in the data center industry."

Breana Wheeler, director of US Operations at BRE, said: "The construction pipeline for data centers in the US has continued to grow in recent years with no signs of slowing down any time soon, so it's great to see an industry leader like Iron Mountain take charge in implementing a higher sustainability standard throughout its design and development processes." Adding: "As the national portfolio of data centers continues to expand, we look forward to adding value to owners and operators by providing a holistic, transparent assessment method that produces more valuable assets."

Etienne Cadestin, CEO of Longevity Partners, commented: "At Longevity, we pride ourselves on supporting real estate professionals navigate the most difficult ESG scenarios within the built world, and we're proud to have supported Iron Mountain's immense success in certifying this complex data center asset."