EU proposes colour ratings for data centres

Yle reports that the European Commission has proposed a common energy-efficiency classification system for data centres across the European Union.

The colour-coded scale would cover all data centres with capacity above 500 kilowatts, similar to the classifications used for household appliances. The system would provide better information about data centres’ energy and water consumption.

The first sustainability labels for data centres are expected to be published in 2027. The EU plans to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years to compete with the United States and China in artificial intelligence. Opposition to data centres has been growing on both sides of the Atlantic.