The European Commission proposed rules Monday requiring data centers with 500+ kW capacity to publicly disclose their energy and water efficiency using a standardized EU labeling system.
The new regulations aim to increase transparency around data center operations as energy consumption from computing infrastructure continues to rise across Europe. Facilities meeting the 500 kilowatt threshold must report efficiency metrics using the EU's designed labeling framework, enabling better comparison across providers.
Data centers account for a significant portion of European electricity demand. The disclosure requirement targets major operators while establishing consistent measurement standards across member states.
The proposal forms part of broader EU efforts to monitor and reduce energy consumption in critical digital infrastructure. By making efficiency data public, regulators aim to incentivize operators to adopt more sustainable practices and help organizations make informed decisions when selecting data center providers.
The Commission's framework addresses both power usage effectiveness and water consumption, reflecting growing concerns about resource intensity in the digital economy.
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