ETN Global contributes to EC public consultation on energy efficiency rating scheme for data centres 

ETN Global has submitted input to the European Commission consultation on the upcoming energy efficiency rating scheme for data centres in Europe; an important initiative aimed at improving transparency, comparability, and sustainability across the sector.

In our contribution, we welcome the Commission’s efforts to harmonise data centre policies across the EU and emphasise that a robust labelling framework can play a key role in guiding investment and operational decisions. While existing indicators such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), Energy Reuse Factor (ERF), and Renewable Energy Factor (REF) provide a solid foundation, ETN Global highlights the need to go further.

The paper calls for a more comprehensive approach that reflects the full system value of data centres within Europe’s evolving energy landscape. Key priorities include:

• Grid integration and flexibility to support system stability
• Advanced cooling strategies and effective heat reuse
• Broader environmental metrics, including CO₂ intensity
• Fuel flexibility and the use of renewable fuels to enhance resilience

ETN Global also highlights the need for a clear and timely framework to avoid investment delays and maintain Europe’s competitiveness. Overall,we advocate for a labelling scheme that goes beyond facility-level efficiency, rewarding data centres that contribute to a low-carbon, flexible, and resilient energy system.

Full input into the EC’s public consultantion can be downloaded here.