Data centres are essential to Europe’s digital future. They are also one of the world’s fastest growing sectors, projected to consume more than 3% of overall electricity demand in the EU by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. This growth puts pressure on electricity grids and the use of natural resources, such as water, and contributes to increased carbon emissions. To limit these impacts, the European Commission has proposed a common rating scheme for data centres aimed at increasing transparency on their energy use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe’s energy system.
The EU is looking to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years. The new common rating scheme will cover individual data centres with a capacity above 500 kW and will:
- ensure transparent information about the actual use of resources (energy, water) by data centres
- cover data centres’ contribution to the grid, such as the reuse of waste heat and the addition of clean energy generation capacities
- offer flexibility.
In a time when we need to be careful with our resources, sustainable, flexible and well-designed data centres that can adjust their electricity use to the grid’s conditions can help lower the overall cost of the electricity system, improve grid stability, and integrate more renewable energy. For example, reusing around half of the total waste heat from data centres in Europe corresponds to the heating demand of four million households.
To further support the integration of sustainable data centres in the energy system, the Commission has launched a call for evidence and public consultation on minimum performance standards for data centres operating in Europe.
The legal proposal establishing the common rating scheme is now subject to 2-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council before entering into force.
The first sustainability labels for individual data centres are expected to be displayed in 2027.
For more information
Energy Efficiency of Data Centres Report
Questions and answers on the data centre energy efficiency package
Report on the energy efficiency of data centres in the EU – Energy
Press release: Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU
