How Many Data Centers Are LEED Platinum?

maiden-exterior

The exterior of the Apple data center facility in Maiden, North Carolina (Source: Apple)

Apple said this week that its data center in North Carolina had earned a Platinum-level certification under the LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard for energy efficient buildings, the highest rating possible in the ratings overseen by the US Green Building Council. Although the LEED program was not designed with data centers in mind, the industry's leading builders are rapidly adapting to the requirements of the LEED standard, including the higher tiers of its rating system. While many data centers are now earning LEED status, LEED Platinum remains a fairly exclusive club. We've identified 12 of these facilities, which we've listed in our updated illustrated guide to LEED Platinum data centers.