WorkingBuildings began by reviewing design drawings, focusing on how the system was intended to work and providing clarity to the construction teams working on the building. As a Tier III (with aspects of Tier IV) data center with multiple uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units backed up by closed-transition switchgears, the building included independent, physically isolated systems intended to ensure redundancy for every component. When operating as intended, this acts to prevent any event — planned or unplanned — from disrupting operations. The distribution systems were tied together in multiple locations to provide additional redundancy. Cooling for the data center was provided by two redundant chiller plants to supply cool water to computer room air handling (CRAH) units spaced throughout the data center areas.

As construction progressed, the team conducted site visits to verify that the systems were being installed as designed, were accessible, and would be maintainable for the life of the building. Then, the team tested each piece of equipment included in the mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, fire protection, and plumbing systems to ensure that they were going through the designed sequence of operations in all potential scenarios and that the fault systems were integrating properly. Finally, the team performed IST (L5) testing to simulate the load on the building’s systems and ensure that each system would continue to function properly in the case of equipment failure or a power outage. Throughout the process, WorkingBuildings collaborated closely with design and construction teams to ensure that everyone was working toward the goal of a fully functional, operating building.