Press Releases

The USGBC Grants LEED Certification to EQD Solutions Center

Houston, TX – November 14, 2006

The U.S. Green Building Counsel (USGBC) took another step in promoting environmental sustainability in the greater Houston area today by announcing the official LEED Silver certification, or "Green Building" status, given to Equivalent DATA’s Solutions Center, located at I-10 and the Beltway. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Equivalent DATA, a tier one electronic discovery provider and technology company, has raised the bar for private companies in Houston, having gone to great lengths to ensure sustainability in all aspects of the construction and functionality of their new data center. The environmentally-friendly Solutions Center benefits EQD’s clients, employees, and the surrounding community with reduced operating costs; healthier, more productive occupants; and conservation of our natural resources.

The 19,000 sq. ft. data center includes clean air quality systems as well as low volatile organic compound carpet, concrete sealer, paint, and fabric wall panels. Other innovative aspects include using wheat board instead of plywood, a white heat reflective membrane roof, low-E glass exterior windows, point-of-use water heaters, a modular wiring system, and bike racks to encourage employees to cycle to work. The company has made "green" a part of their corporate culture as well by implementing carpooling and recycling programs, creating a rotating recycling art wall, using green cleaning products, and decorating with a species of plant proven to be the best for producing natural oxygen.

The USGBC is not the only organization to recognize Equivalent DATA’s attention to detail and commitment to sustainability. The Solutions Center has also been awarded the 2006 "Best of Private/Corporate" award by Texas Construction Magazine and the "Excellence in Construction," or "ICE" award by Associated Builders and Construction, Inc.

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