Allstate opens new eco-friendly data center

Northbrook-based Allstate Insurance Co., today opened one of America's most energy-efficient and environmentally conscious data centers.

The 65,000-square-foot facility in far west Rochelle is a secure, world-class hosting center to support Allstate's information technology needs -- enhancing the customer experience. This new center is targeted to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

"As part of Allstate's promise to be there for customers in their time of need, we're dedicated to ensuring high availability of critical technology systems," said Catherine Brune, senior vice president and chief information officer of Allstate. "Our new data center introduces sophisticated building design and technologies that reflect our company's dedication to environmental responsibility."

The new facility incorporates eco-friendly building design and energy efficiencies. Large windows to increase natural light, a light-colored roof that reflects sunlight and reduces cooling costs, recycled building components with low toxicity and the latest in energy-efficient computer servers are just some of the green strategies being used at this new facility.

Rochelle is an ideal setting for Allstate's new data center, as it's one of the few cities in the U.S. to own and operate its own high capacity, local fiber-optics network. The city also provides its own utilities, including affordable and reliable electricity. Construction on the Rochelle Data Center began in January, 2008.

Allstate's new facility has enough data storage to hold 15 Libraries of Congress -- which is considerable, since the Library of Congress holds more than 30 million books.

Allstate Corp. based in Northbrook is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer.