We have a winner. A month after the program came into effect, the first Energy Star has been granted to a facility. NetApp's RTP datacenter in North Carolina is the first that can slap the logo behind the reception desk.

This particular data center was opened a year ago, and is used by the storage vendor for R & D

The facility scored 99/100 points. Here are some of the features that makes this data center worthy of an Energy Star, courtesy of DatacenterDynamics:

* 74 degrees Fahrenheit average supply air temperature: Using a higher temperature threshold on supply air (74 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 55 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) allows NetApp to dramatically reduce cooling costs.

* Airside economiser: The data center is cooled by using just outside air (free cooling) 67% of the time during the year.

* Pressure-controlled room: Modulating fans, based on NetApp's proprietary technology, supply pressure-controlled rooms and regulate the volume of air to avoid oversupplying air and wasting energy.

* Cold aisle containment: The cold room separates the cold and hot air streams to protect supply air temperatures from being affected by hot air returning from the
racks.

* Overhead air distribution: Instead of pumping cold air up through the floors (raised floors), overhead air distribution takes advantage of cold/hot air buoyancy and eliminates ductwork, reducing the energy needed for fans.

So there you have it. Just to refresh your memory: the label is only awarded to facilities that are in the top 25 percent of their peers. I do wonder though how they can say that for the applications that are coming in now. And are Energy Stars later revokes if a facility 'slides down the rungs' when newer data centers open their doors?

I am still highly sceptical about the whole scheme. But NetApp have something to cheer about.