Certification of sustainable data centers: A comprehensive overview of the options
NDC-GARBE 24/10/2024
Green IT Cube: Nachhaltiges Rechenzentrum von NDC-GARBE
The topics of environmental protection and sustainability have now become part of almost all areas of professional and private life. In a sector as fast-growing and resource-intensive as the data center industry, we at NDC-GARBE have a special responsibility.
Legal regulations such as the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) of the European Union (EU) provide the framework within which developers and operators of data centers – including us – must operate. However, we don’t just want to operate as energy-efficiently and resource-conserving as possible because we are obliged to do so. Our aim is to meet the increasing demand for energy responsibly. One of our measures is the use of the patented Green IT Cube technology, which uses energy-efficient cooling systems.
Data center certificates at a glance: Focus on sustainability
In order to make the sustainability of data centers visible from the outside, building owners and operators can have their data centers certified by an independent body. There are now a large number of standards and certificates for sustainability in data centers, so it is easy to lose track. We have fought our way through the “certification jungle” for you and present the relevant standards and awards below.
Blue Angel for data centers: eco-label for sustainability
One certification for particularly energy-efficient and resource-conserving data centers is the Blue Angel for Data Centers (DE-UZ 228), which is awarded by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA). It combines the previous environmental labels “Energy-efficient data center operation” (DE-UZ 161) and “Climate-friendly co-location data centers” (DE-UZ 214) and currently places the highest demands on developers and operators. An auditor commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency checks compliance with minimum requirements and certifies data centers with regard to the energy-efficient, climate-friendly and resource-conserving operation of the technical building equipment. A long-term strategy for increasing energy and resource efficiency, the energy-efficient use of information technology, services with guaranteed minimum standards and transparent reporting for IT operators and customers are also taken into account. The Federal Environment Agency uses a self-developed system of key performance indicators: the Key Performance Indicators for Data Center Efficiency (KPI4DCE) make it clear in which areas of a data center (servers, storage, network technology and building technology) there is still potential for optimization in terms of energy and resource efficiency.
“Sustainable Data Center”: TÜV-approved certificate
The “ Sustainable Data Center ” certificate is awarded by TÜV Rheinland. It confirms the sustainable and climate-neutral operation of data centers and is considered independent proof that the legal requirements regarding energy efficiency, resource conservation andCO2 emissions are met. If the location, hardware effectiveness, energy efficiency, electrical and air conditioning technology as well as the management of waste heat, water and emissions meet the requirements, operators receive the “Sustainable Data Center” award. In addition to an on-site audit of the status quo of a data center and an assessment of building and technology plans, the evaluation covers nine other key topics – from air conditioning technology and IT equipment to employees. The climate index calculated in each case and the certificate are valid for three years. An audit must take place at least once a year for renewal.
In addition to the two German regulations, the EU has also developed a number of standards to establish the same sustainability standards for data centers across borders.
EU Code of Conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency: The political framework
The EU Code of Conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency (EU CoC) was initiated jointly by the EU Commission and architects, developers and operators in the data center industry. As part of this self-regulation, minimum standards have been developed with regard to the energy efficiency of data centers, which are used by operators to certify their buildings. The EU CoC forms the basis for the EN 50600-5 and TSE.STANDARD (Trusted Site Energy Efficiency) standards presented below.
DIN EN 50600: The European standard for data centers
DIN EN 50600 is a comprehensive set of rules for various areas of data center planning, construction and operation. It provides managers with guidelines for planning, operating and retrofitting their data centers in a future-proof manner on the basis of a Europe-wide standard. TÜV IT (part of the TÜV NORD GROUP) has developed the “TSI.EN50600” criteria catalog for certification – TSI stands for “Trusted Site Infrastructure”.
The standard provides instructions and interpretation aids for the inspection of data centers in order to ensure a uniform evaluation. The inspection process basically consists of four to five steps. At the beginning, an optional workshop is recommended as preparation. The check of relevant documents with regard to the requirements of DIN EN 50600 is followed by an on-site inspection of the implemented and planned measures. Finally, the test report and certificates are issued. The latter are valid for two years, after which recertification is required.
The newly added fifth part of the standard, the so-called “Data Center Maturity Model ” (EN 50600-5), is specifically geared towards sustainability. It defines maturity levels that reflect the respective status of a data center’s energy and resource efficiency.
Trusted Site Energy Efficiency: certificate for the maturity level of data centers
The TSE methodology can be used to make statements about the resource and energy-efficient operation of a data center. Planners, builders and operators of data centers should be supported in meeting both EU-wide (EN 50600-5) and international (ISO 50001) requirements. TÜV IT has developed the TSE.STANDARD V2.1 for this purpose, which is similar to a modular system. Developers and operators can flexibly combine the modules and freely decide which requirements they want to fulfill. Different levels of maturity can also be achieved here – depending on how advanced the measures relating to a data center are. The testing process is similar to the procedure according to the TSI criteria catalog and the TSE certificate is initially valid for one year. The standard aims to establish a specific energy management system for data centers. This system is intended to enable continuous improvements in line with ISO 50001:2018. Following TSE certification, data centers can therefore also aim for full certification in accordance with ISO 50001.
ISO/IEC 22237: The international version of DIN EN 50600
The international standard ISO/IEC 22237 (Information Technology – Data Centre Facilities and Infrastructures) is intended to create the basis for ensuring that data centers can be planned, built, operated and compared according to the same standards worldwide in the future. Together with ISO 30134, it offers a holistic approach for the assessment and certification of data centers that covers all aspects of availability and security as well as energy efficiency and sustainability. According to the current status, the requirements of DIN EN 50600 are largely unchanged in the internationally valid ISO/IEC 22237 standard. Certification is carried out in accordance with the standard TÜV IT process.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: for energy-efficient buildings
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is also an international certification system for evaluating energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. Of the eight subject areas, four are relevant to data centers: “Building Quality”, “Water Efficiency”, “Energy and Global Environmental Impact” and “Material Cycles and Resource Conservation”. Different levels of maturity can also be achieved in the certification system. LEED was originally launched by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Green Business Certification (GBCI) Europe is responsible for European companies. As the LEED certificate is based on US standards, it must be carefully checked whether the existing German and European requirements are also being met. In contrast to the standards already mentioned, there are no best practices. To date, the certificate has primarily been used in the co-location sector.
Find a competent contact person
All of the standards described serve to enable the public to quickly and better assess efforts to improve sustainability in data centers. The audits for the certifications also show operators any weak points and further potential for optimization. We at NDC-GARBE would be delighted to use our expertise to advise you on all matters relating to the sustainable construction of data centers and to work with you to implement future projects! Contact us here.