Citi Data Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Situated 10 km from Frankfurt, this extraordinary complex is the most sustainable center in the world which brought new standards in terms of sustainable design and conservation of resources. Citi is a global company, providing financial services in more than 140 countries. Citigroup spent $232 million to construct this energy-efficient building. The designer of the building is Arup Associates. The main contractor is BAM Deutschland. The center occupies 9.800 sq m, with office space of about 1480 sq m. The main goal of construction team was to attain maximum sustainability. The building is surrounded with green spaces, irrigated with recycled water. The green wall installed in the eastern part of the complex is a perfect space for plants and wildlife. The facility is the first data center to earn LEED Platinum Certificate and the first building in Germany to get LEED accreditation. Use of energy-efficient technologies helped to cut down energy use to a large extent (with energy reduction of about 72%). The green roof of the building keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter. The complex provides its workers with high quality working environment, with ventilation and natural daylight. Reduction of CO2 emissions is 11.750 tons.

The complex makes use of reverse osmosis water treatment that allows it to cut down water consumption by 40%.

The most interesting fact about the building is that it got its first award before its completion (Excellence and Green Energy Efficiency Award, 2007).

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am

Photos: www.e-architect.co.uk