Capgemini, a technology consulting and outsourcing firm, today laid claim to the distinction of having the world’s most energy efficient data center with a PUE of 1.08.

Named Merlin and located in Swindon, UK, Capgemini took an existing facility and transformed it into a 30,000 square foot, Tier 3 green data center as part of the company’s Global Infrastructure Outsourcing initiative. Key to this build is the company’s decision to adopt a modular strategy. Each module is equipped with a three stage, step-cooling system that employs air cooling, evaporative cooling and backup, conventional air conditioning that’s employed as conditions warrant.

Not only did the design achieve a PUE rating of 1.08 in factory testing — the typical data center lies north of 2.0 mark (the closer to 1.0, the better) — it also allows Gapgemini’s customers to get their IT on at breakneck speeds. According to the company, it takes just 22 weeks to get up and running compared to the year-plus it takes most data center builds.

Green and fast? Yes please.