 Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to store IT resources underground?
What are StrataSpace's capabilities with regard to power and fiber?
How does StrataSpace handle air ventilation?
What are the utility rates?
Why will my utility costs be lower at StrataSpace?
What are the security benefits of StrataSpace?
Is it safe to store IT resources underground?
StrataSpace provides an extremely safe location. Carved out of solid limestone, this unique underground facility is protected from natural threats such as tornadoes, strong windstorms, lightning, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis. The facility will never flood and is 260 feet above the Ohio River, the nearest major water source.
What are StrataSpace's capabilities with regard to power and fiber?
 Currently there are 4 megawatts of power capacity. In addition, Strataspace has approval to build a 40 MW on-site substation. If more power is desired the local utility is prepared to increase capacity even further. All power will be backed up with generators located within the underground facility.
Multiple fiber providers serve the Louisville market. AT&T and Insight Communications have fiber installed at Strataspace. Other fiber providers, including Level 3 Communications, Time Warner Cable and Kentucky Data Link (KDL), are also available.
How does StrataSpace handle air ventilation?
StrataSpace has the unique advantage of being naturally cooled and heated. The natural ambient temperature underground is 59 degrees year-round.
StrataSpace's air ventilation is controlled by a complex system. The system has eight (8) five-foot diameter fans with related ductwork. There are twelve (12) sensors throughout the underground that monitor heat, humidity and carbon monoxide. These sensors help direct the operation of the system.
The entire ventilation system is monitored 24/7 in the facility's Network Operations Center (NOC). The system uses a push-pull process and can exchange the air in the entire 570,000 SF facility, six (6) times per hour, if required.
 What are the utility rates?
According to the Department of Energy and the Energy Information Administration, the average commercial electric rate across the United States is up to 50% higher than rates at StrataSpace. The spread is even greater when compared to larger cities across America. Click to enlarge.
Why will my utility costs be lower at StrataSpace?
The typical computer room located above ground is subject to temperature extremes that can range daily as much as 100 Degrees F. StrataSpace is located 65 feet below grade. Temperature variance can be limited to and controlled within 13 Degrees of desired set point. Standard ambient air in Louisville, KY has 1,443 cooling degree days in a season, compared to the estimated 600 degree days within StrataSpace when fully occupied. This results in an estimated 28% reduction in peak hour cooling costs.
When HVAC equipment is operated above 85 degrees ambient temperature, the cooling equipment's capacity decreases 13% on average. Because the underground will not experience ambient temperatures above 85 degrees, utility costs will be further reduced.
 What are the security benefits of StrataSpace?
- - Underground = natural barrier
- Secure, 35-acre gated perimeter
- Low-traffic rural setting
- - Looks like a pasture and a parking lot from the air
- Outside of any local airport flight paths
- Security camera monitoring inside/outside facility
- Limited access control
| 
