Computer/LAN rooms are used to house servers and other computer equipment. Because this equipment gives off heat, additional cooling and ventilation may be required. Use ENERGY STAR servers to save energy. Place this space closer to the building core or interior to leave room for offices and conference rooms on the perimeter. To support compliance with new ENERGY STAR for buildings install at least two meters, one that measures cooling load and the other that measures IT load from the data center.
GSA Quick Start Guide
View Planning Strategies

• Fire Safety

• Fire Safety

  • Promote safety by installing emergency power down switches.
  • Fire suppression systems specified by GSA include water based sprinkler systems. This type of system works well for computer/LAN rooms that are backed up off-site.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• HVAC

• HVAC

  • Ensure the air supplied by the HVAC system is properly conditioned - providing comfortable temperature ranges, removing moisture and air contaminants such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide. Proximity to an exterior wall should be evaluated to minimize ductwork.
  • For smaller data rooms consider use of exhaust fans and grills in place of CRAC units.
  • Use filtration media to removing moisture and air contaminants such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Recycling

• Recycling

  • Ensure recycling containers are labeled consistently, with pictures, to help occupants sort materials in the appropriate containers. Coordinate with the recycling hauler to develop the appropriate signage (tenants in leased facilities should coordinate with the landlord or facility manager).
  • Provide ongoing education and training to occupants and janitorial staff about the recycling hauler’s requirements, what items are acceptable and unacceptable for recycling, proper disposal methods, and the importance of eliminating contamination.
  • Target paper and cardboard which typically make up the greatest percentage (by weight) of the total solid waste stream.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Lighting

• Lighting

  • Use sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
  • Use efficient LED lamps as they use less energy, do not give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs, and have a longer useful life.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Computer Equipment

• Computer Equipment

  • Select ENERGY STAR certified servers and related equipment to reduce energy consumption and cooling load required.
  • Research purchase of recycled content metal server racks.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Flooring

• Flooring

  • Select materials that are extremely durable to withstand high load and high heat applications.
  • Promote a low static environment with use of rubber flooring
  • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC's to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space. Remember that adhesives may be required for flooring, and these may add VOC's even if the finish flooring does not.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Walls

• Walls

  • Use durable wall base materials such as rubber or hard wood to serve as a protective border.
  • Select easy to clean wall surfaces for ease of maintenance.
  • Use low VOC wall finishes to protect indoor air quality.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements
• Ceiling

• Ceiling

  • Use acoustical ceiling tiles with high Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) to reduce noise pollution and allow for ease of access to the plenum space for maintenance.
  • Use light-colored ceiling tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
  • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regional manufacturing, recycled content, and low VOC to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.

  Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Design Guidance
  • Compare Systems
  • Federal Requirements