The European Commission has published a draft regulation for an EU-wide rating scheme for data centers, and opened a four-week public consultation. The Commission said the rating scheme is intended to improve transparency around the energy use of data centers and support public procurement and policymaking.
According to a news announcement, the proposal would create a common system for assessing data centers across the bloc using information collected under existing EU reporting rules and digital strategy. Ratings would be displayed through electronic labels issued automatically by the European database on data centers.
The reporting framework was introduced in March 2024 through Regulation EU/2024/1364, which established a database and required operators to submit key performance indicators. The new draft sets out how that information would be used to rate facilities.
The ICT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Europe, increasing pressure on electricity grids, carbon emissions and water resources. The scheme is also intended to make it easier to compare facilities within the same region and encourage more efficient designs. The Commission said it expects the rules to help reduce energy and water use, increase the use of renewable energy, support the reuse of waste heat and improve grid efficiency.
The regulation is due to be adopted in the second quarter of 2026 as part of a broader package on data center energy efficiency. The Commission is accepting feedback from businesses, organisations and members of the public until April 23, 2026.