A mechanism is provided for utilizing localized clusters within a mesh network to aid in tracking environmental factors associated with information handling systems in an environment having a large number of information handling systems installed. Sensors within each information handling system measure a variety of environmental factors, such as, for example, temperature (CPU, ambient, air inlet, air exhaust, system board, and the like), air flow through the information handling system, fan speed, and hardware utilization. The sensor-derived environmental information is provided to a lead local cluster node, which can provide local responses to environmental values exceeding thresholds. Lead nodes generate a mapping of the environmental factors and provide that mapping to a data center management server. The data center management server collates environmental mapping information to derive a data center-wide environmental mapping used by management personnel to make adjustments to balance load, reduce temperatures, and reduce energy usage.