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• Borderstep develops sustainability label for data centres in the EU – Commission launches call for feedback

As part of the EUDCEAR project, the Borderstep Institute, together with its partners EY and AIT, has developed the first EU-wide sustainability label for data centers. Based on data from Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) Reporting and a comprehensive stakeholder dialog, an innovative rating system was created that takes local contexts across Europe into account.

First EU sustainability label for data centers

Until now, there has been no label that comprehensively assesses the sustainability of data centers in the EU. Sustainability cannot be captured solely by simply calculating indicators such as PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness), ERF (Energy Reuse Factor) or REF (Renewable Energy Factor). Rather, regional differences, such as the availability of green electricity or the sustainability of water use, must be taken into account.

For this reason, Borderstep has developed a multidimensional label that holistically evaluates various aspects of sustainability. This label was revised several times during the project based on stakeholder feedback and was published in the second EUDCEAR report, Assessment of next steps to promote the energy performance and sustainability of data centres in EU, including the establishment of an EU-wide rating scheme.

EU Commission launches consultation on sustainability label

The European Commission has now updated and simplified the label and launched a public consultation on the matter. Interested parties can submit feedback until April 23, 2026: EU Consultation on the Rating System for Data Centers

Next Steps: Minimum Requirements for Data Centers

Building on the findings of EUDCEAR, minimum standards for data center sustainability are currently being developed. The study is led by Viegand Maagøe, while Borderstep is taking the lead on technical issues and proposals for future minimum standards.

Borderstep: 20 years of expertise in digitisation and sustainability

The Borderstep Institute has nearly 20 years of research experience in the fields of digitisation and sustainability. This makes it one of the world’s most renowned research institutions specializing in the sustainability of data centers and artificial intelligence.

Since 2007, the Borderstep Institute has been analyzing the electricity consumption of data centers in Germany and Europe. Its analysis is based on a proprietary structural model that has been regularly updated since 2010. The model takes into account server types, age structures, and building systems such as cooling and power supply. In this way, Borderstep provides reliable figures and scenarios regarding the development of digital infrastructures and their sustainability.

Through projects such as TEMPRO, DC2HEAT, DCESS, EUDCEAR and Data Centre Minimum Performance Standards – EU , the institute is developing solutions for climate-friendly and energy-efficient digitalization.