Rapid Expansion: Equinix SV2 Data Center
Description
AlfaTech provided full mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection engineering, and technology design services, along with overall design project management for the tenant improvement of an operational colocation facility.
Valued at $41 million, the project involved two separate 22,000 SF build-outs with necessary utility infrastructure upgrades. The electrical design encompassed the live conversion of 2N Data Center spaces into a 3+1 block redundant design, along with the redistribution of existing loads.
The mechanical design included a payback analysis for rooftop air handlers featuring air side economizer and central plant chiller upgrades to optimize system efficiency and reliability. Serving as the LEED NC program coordinator, AlfaTech developed design and construction strategies and played a key role in achieving LEED Certified Level status. The firm managed the entire application and appeals process without the use of a LEED consultant, including online documentation of sustainable measures implemented for certification.
In order to meet the high data center demand in California’s Silicon Valley, Equinix targeted a rapid expansion/conversion of their SV2 facility in Santa Clara, CA. AlfaTech led the design team and completed the MEP design for this fast-paced project. We were able to complete the project ahead of schedule, reducing the overall project costs, and incorporating sustainable construction practices.
This project was awarded the 2008 Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine’s Gold ARC Award for renovation and the Silicon Valley Power Energy Innovator Award in the “Energy Efficiency Partner” category at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy Summit.
Highlights
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3+1 Block Redundant Electrical Design: Live conversion from existing 2N system.
Air Side Economizer: For enhanced cooling efficiency and energy savings.
Central Plant Chiller Upgrades: Optimized system performance and reliability.
Sustainable MEP Systems: Designed to meet LEED NC certification.
Real-Time Load Redistribution: To support continuous data center operations.
LEED Online Documentation Platform: Used for managing certification processes without a third-party consultant.
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Successfully delivered two 22,000 SF colocation build-outs in an operational facility.
Completed ahead of schedule, reducing project costs.
Achieved LEED Certified Level status through in-house sustainability leadership.
Enabled rapid facility expansion to meet rising Silicon Valley data center demand.
Enhanced energy efficiency and reliability of building systems.
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LEED Certified status
Gold ARC Award – 2008 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine (Renovation Category)
Energy Efficiency Partner Award – Silicon Valley Power Energy Innovator Award at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy Summit
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Live Conversion of Critical Systems
AlfaTech executed a complex live conversion from a 2N electrical system to a 3+1 block redundant configuration without disrupting operations—demonstrating a deep understanding of risk mitigation in live environments.In-House LEED Management Without Consultant
The project team managed the full LEED NC certification process internally, including documentation and appeals—showcasing AlfaTech’s sustainability expertise and cost-saving strategy for clients.Payback-Driven Mechanical Design
The inclusion of a financial payback analysis for HVAC upgrades (rooftop air handlers and central chillers) ensured ROI-driven design decisions that aligned energy efficiency with operational cost savings.Scalable Infrastructure Strategy
Design decisions supported a modular, scalable growth model, enabling rapid future expansion of the facility while minimizing the need for major rework—ideal for high-growth colocation environments.Integrated Utility Infrastructure Upgrades
The seamless integration of new utility infrastructure into an operational colocation facility illustrated a refined ability to coordinate MEP systems in dense technical spaces under tight timelines.Sustainability as a Core Performance Metric
Sustainable strategies were embedded in both design and construction, not just to meet LEED criteria, but to improve lifecycle performance, system longevity, and total cost of ownership.
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