The team received the award in the Improved Data Center Efficiency category at the DataCenter Dynamics Industry Awards in London. Applicants were judged on identifying opportunities for improving energy efficiency and implementing procedures to meet objectives.

One of the project's goals was to comply with Chairman John Mack's commitment to cut greenhouse gases by between seven percent and 10 percent by 2012, said Vijay Mistry, Executive Director of Technology and Data.

Throughout the industry, there has been an emphasis made to reduce power consumption and improve energy efficiency. Another goal was to reduce operational costs; the team was able to save $450,000 in 2009.

About 40 employees took part in the project, which lasted a year and incorporated changes that included air management studies, reduced lighting and heating in UK data centers.

"Something as simple as turning the lights off was saving us $25,000 to $30,000 in utility costs a month," Mistry said.

These initiatives will eventually be rolled out at other data centers.

This year's award follows previous recognition won by the team in 2008 when they won the Data Center Operations Team of the Year award.