The next time you upload a photo to the cloud or stream a viral video, pause for a moment to consider what kind of network makes that task possible. As it turns out, part of what we call “the cloud” actually lives 220 feet underground in a retired limestone mine amid farmlands north of Pittsburgh.
Iron Mountain Data Centers (IMDC) supports a wide range of clients in industries such as banking, public sector, security, healthcare and technology. Servers and storage arrays run nonstop, 365 days a year, and all of the global data center is powered by 100% renewable energy.
The renewable status allows IMDC to help its customers achieve renewable and carbon reduction goals. In addition, the underground data center also boasts Energy and Environmental certification in both ISO 50001 and ISO 14001, making it one of the most sophisticated sustainability programs in the data center industry.
An underground acquifer helps cool the data center load through a geothermal closed-loop system. In colder months, the IMDC also uses outside air to assist in cooling data halls. The U.S. Department of Energy recently conducted a case study on the center.
From new business headquarters to reimagined spaces for dining, shopping and recreation, the Pittsburgh region expects a bold surge in development this year, NEXTpittsburgh reports.
The 26-story, $240 million First National Bank HQ at the former Civic Arena site will be joined by residential units, retail and a major music venue operated by Live Nation. The project will be developed by Buccini/Pollin Group in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who own the site, and includes a commitment of $40 million to the rest of the Hill District.
Another large development underway is the new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal, which is expected to open in 2025. Already, the airport enjoys its own microgrid using solar and on-site natural gas for energy.
Additional projects to watch include the mixed-use Highline on the South Side; Rockwell Park in Point Breeze; and the Esplanade on the North Side as well as plans for new facilities in healthcare and biomedical research.
What I see here, which was not the case a couple of years ago, is that now there are some role models, some success stories, some big achievers, like the Auroras of the world.
