The University of Iowa’s data center in the US has received LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design.

LEED certification is awarded by the Us Green Building Council’s energy and Environmental Design program.

The University of Iowa Information Technology Facility was designed to house the university’s computing and networking equipment which is vital not only for general purpose university administration by the university’s hospitals and clinics.

The 43,000 sq ft, US$30m facility was completed in December 2011 after three years of construction, which included installation of a “hardened” outer shell built to withstand severe weather conditions.

University of Iowa President Sally Mason said the structure itself followed the university’s overall goal of being s sustainable as possible by 2020.

“Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities you’ll find on a campus,” Mason said.

“To build ours to LEED Platinum standards speaks volumes about the UI’s (university of Iowa’s) commitment to energy conservation and sustainability.

The data center was built to contain high performance computing operations. During construction it diverted 341 tons of construction waste from landfill, used efficient fixtures to cut potable water waste.

It includes a bio-retention cell – a 7,800 sq ft garden like area on six feet of soil with 1,5000 plants to retain water and runoff and includes bicycle storage and carpool parking.

Low emitting materials have been used throughout the building and ventilation has been enhanced to provide the optimal indoor air quality.