Brussels proposes data center ratings and consults on minimum standards
Sites above 500kW could carry sustainability labels from 2027 if the scheme survives scrutiny. Binding performance standards are only at consultation stage, which closes on 14 December
- Scrutiny period for the rating scheme: two months
- First review of the scheme: by the end of 2028
- Legislative proposal on minimum standards: planned for Q2 2027
- EU data center electricity use: 68TWh in 2024, forecast at 114TWh by 2030 (International Energy Agency, cited by the Commission)
UK businesses buying colocation or cloud in the EU could soon be able to compare sites on a common efficiency grade, and public buyers there are likely to use it as a tender filter. Suppliers serving both markets may start quoting the grade for UK sites too. Before renewing EU hosting, ask suppliers how their sites are likely to score on power, water and heat reuse, and whether future minimum standards could force retrofits whose cost is passed on.
“Tripling our data centre capacity cannot mean tripling the pressure on our grids, our water and our energy bills.”Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president for clean, just and competitive transition, European Commission
The European Commission adopted a delegated regulation on 21 September that sets up a common EU rating scheme for data centers with capacity above 500kW. On the same day it opened a public consultation and call for evidence on binding minimum performance standards.
The rating scheme is not yet in force. The European Parliament and the Council can object to it during a scrutiny period but cannot amend the text. Ratings will cover power usage effectiveness, water usage effectiveness and use of low-emission sources, with further indicators on grid functions and readiness to reuse waste heat. The label will also show whether a site has contracted new clean generation, such as power purchase agreements with plants no older than 10 years. The Commission says labels will be produced automatically from the EU database that operators already report into under the 2024 reporting scheme.
The minimum standards are at an earlier stage. The consultation asks about thresholds for energy efficiency, water use, waste heat reuse and grid services that new or retrofitted sites would have to meet. The Commission says an EU-wide framework would avoid member states taking divergent national approaches.
The EU aims to triple its data center capacity over the next five to seven years. The Commission argues that most of the capacity in use over the next 20 years will be designed and built in the next three to five years, which is why it wants efficiency measured now.
Sources
- European Commission, “Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU”, press release, 21 September 2026. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_1667
- European Commission, “Making data centres energy efficient thanks to a new EU rating system”, news, 21 September 2026. https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/making-data-centres-energy-efficient-thanks-new-eu-rating-system-2026-09-21_en
- European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy, “Minimum performance standards for data centres in Europe – public consultation launched”, 21 September 2026. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/minimum-performance-standards-data-centres-europe-public-consultation-launched-2026-09-21_en
- European Commission, “Questions and answers on the data centre energy efficiency package”, 21 September 2026. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/questions-and-answers-data-centre-energy-efficiency-package_en
