ICT and Big Data
REI Data Center Retrofit Reduces Cooling Energy Use by 93%

REI says a retrofit of its data center, which houses servers and backup systems for computers, software systems, REI.com and point of sale for its 132 stores in 33 states, has resulted in a 93 percent reduction in the cooling energy used to operate the facility.

The outdoor retailer says the retrofit uses “free cooling” via a rooftop evaporative cooling tower to keep servers at optimal temperatures. The system reduces the need for mechanical cooling nearly year-round, or about 8,672 hours annually.

The retrofit saves 2.2 million kilowatt hours each year — enough to power six REI stores. Improved efficiencies also mean improved business resiliency and stability in the event of a regional power outage, the company says.

Besides rooftop cooling technology, the retrofit also included:

• Upgraded backup battery banks
• Removal of old power distribution units
• Installation of floor brush barriers and curtain systems to contain cold air in critical areas, upgraded software to the backup power systems
• Rewiring subfloor cabling to optimize airflow under the raised floor

Due to the efficiencies gained, REI also reconfigured its redundant power supply.

“By examining our operations through a sustainability lens, we’ve achieved financial and environmental benefits and met our goals to increase efficiency, minimize disruptions and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Kirk Myers, REI corporate social responsibility manager. “We hope our actions show this is possible and financially prudent, and inspire others to actively manage their energy use.”

The project was completed in partnership with CLEAResult, an energy-efficiency firm based in Austin, Texas, and Puget Sound Energy. The retrofit was recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers as the Region V Energy Project of the Year for 2013.

Last year, despite overall company growth of 7.4 percent, REI made progress in decreasing its footprint in several areas, including an absolute reduction of operational CO2 by 7.6 percent. Its total energy use was essentially flat despite adding five new stores.

In other data center news, the General Motors Enterprise Data Center in Warren, Michigan in September received Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, putting it among the fewer than 5 percent of data centers in the U.S. to achieve such certification.