Computer and internet servers are becoming an increasingly significant source of CO2 emissions (some experts estimate as much as 3% of total global CO2 emissions). There are many green web-hosting companies that offer carbon credits to offset the energy use of a company's internet servers, but until now none has actually generated 100% of their energy from renewable sources.

 

Well more than 100% actually... Computer retail and web services giant OWC (Other World Computing) just christened a new 500 KW Vestas V39 wind turbine, which makes it the world's first hosting service that is powered completely by on-site wind.

 

Excess energy produced by the turbine is sold back to the Illinois electrical grid which in turn ensures a uniform energy supply to the server farm. An emergency back-up generator provides power in the event of a blackout or brownout.

 

The Vestas turbine is the "crowning jewel" in what would already be considered a record-breaking green campus. OWC's Platinum LEED building (completed last year) has a dizzying list of green features:

• Geo-thermal ground-coupled heat pump system for heating and coolin

• High insulation value glass windows and exterior sunshade technology for reduced cooling costs

• High insulation value materials throughout the building for reduced energy use

• Smart sensors to detect and adjust energy in unused rooms

• Permeable Paver system for environmentally friendly run-off water handling

• Natural, bio-engineered swales for retaining irrigation water

• Use of native plants and prairie grasses for water conservation

• Sloan Waterless Urinals and dual-mode toilets for water conservation

• High-efficiency drinking water filtration system to eliminate need for delivered water

• Company-wide recycling with near zero waste generation

• Facilities for employees to commute to work by bicycle

• Fiber optic light harvesting technology to provide optimal daylight

I made the decision to 100% self-fund this project because of the conservational benefits as well as the future cost of energy. With the kilowatt hour rate in the Chicago market up 24.3% since 1999, it only makes sense to use technology to lower our usage and costs related to traditional power sources.