Basic History
North Dakota was explored by the French in 1738-40. In 1803, the U.S. acquired most of North Dakota from France. The first settlements were made in 1812 by Scottish and Irish families while this area was still in dispute between the U.S. and Great Britain. The region remained largely unsettled until the construction of the railroad in the 1870s and 1880s. North Dakota achieved statehood in 1889. In recent years, it has become more urbanized.
Environmental History
North Dakota is predominantly a region of prairie and plains, although the American elm, green ash, and cottonwood grow there. Cranberries, juneberries, and wild grapes are also common. Buffalo grasses grow on the plains. The western prairie fringed orchid is the only plant species classified as threatened.
White-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, the elk, grizzly bear, the bighorn sheep are commonly found in the region.
7 animal species are listed as threatened or endangered in North Dakota, including the bald eagle, Eskimo curlew, pallid sturgeon, least tern and whooping crane.
Green Initiatives
NetDepot is a premier data center in North Dakota that has taken several green initiatives to maximize energy efficiency and minimize footprint on the environment. Some of them include: use of state-of-the-art facility controller automating pumps, fans, facility temperature gauges and electricity usage by utilizing only the amount of power needed; use of heat pumps which provide up to 25% more energy efficient cooling than traditional HVAC cooling equipment; recycles cardboard, metals, old computer components, and all materials possible; utilizes high-efficiency lighting to minimize power consumption; utilizes space within its facility by matching maximum efficiencies without over building or waste; and conducts audits to discover better ways to conserve energy. NetDepot finds new and innovative ways to optimize energy.
The Green Initiative is a non-profit community organization that raises awareness about climate change and limits its effects through education and innovation. It works with schools, businesses and individuals to help them operate sustainably.
The Green Building Initiative of North Dakota promotes construction of high-performance buildings and adheres to the tenets of green, such as energy efficiency, wise resource use, reduced waste, etc.
