EU data center efficiency label needs nuance, industry leaders warn

The European Commission has launched a Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package introducing a common rating scheme for facilities above 500kW, based on energy and water efficiency, grid balancing, waste heat recovery and renewables. European data center associations welcomed the transparency but warned the label must not hurt competitiveness. First ratings are expected in 2027.

• Scheme covers data centers with capacity above 500kW
• Rating factors energy, water, grid balancing, heat and renewables
• First ratings expected in 2027, review by end of 2028
• Industry warns of north-south Europe asymmetry