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Policy record, supranational

EU common rating scheme for data centres (Commission delegated act of 21 September 2026)

ProposedEuropean UnionProposal, not binding

On 21 September 2026 the Commission put forward a delegated regulation creating a common sustainability rating for individual data centres above 500 kW. The rating is built on the data already reported under the EED and also covers grid contribution such as waste-heat reuse, added clean generation and flexibility. Parliament and Council have a two month scrutiny period in which they may object but cannot amend. The Commission expects the first labels for individual data centres to appear in 2027 and plans a review by the end of 2028.

Current status

Adopted by the Commission as a delegated act and described by the Commission as proposed. Not in force until the two month scrutiny period ends without objection and the act is published in the Official Journal. A 4 week call for feedback on the draft ran 26 March to 23 April 2026 (closed).

Who it applies to

Individual data centres with capacity above 500 kW in the EU. Covers actual energy and water use and grid contribution (waste-heat reuse, clean generation capacity, flexibility).

Exceptions: Not yet published in full in the Official Journal. Detailed exceptions to be checked against the final text.

What it means for cooling and power

A public label turns reported PUE, WUE and heat-reuse data into a visible comparison point for tenants and planners. Operators may prioritise heat-recovery readiness, water reduction and flexibility features in new designs ahead of 2027. Do not present the rating as in force until the scrutiny period ends.

Editorial: business implications, not legal advice.

Upcoming dates

  1. 31 Dec 2028: First review of the scheme foreseen by end 2028

History

  1. 23 Apr 2026: Call for feedback on draft rules closed (opened 26 March 2026)

Related policy

Markets

Technologies

Lifecycle

  1. Proposed or announced21 Sept 2026
  2. Consultationnot reached
  3. Adoptednot reached
  4. In effectnot reached

Adopted by the Commission as a delegated act and described by the Commission as proposed. Not in force until the two month scrutiny period ends without objection and the act is published in the Official Journal. A 4 week call for feedback on the draft ran 26 March to 23 April 2026 (closed).

Sources (3), last checked 18 Oct 2026
  1. Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU (IP/26/1667) (opens in a new tab), European Commission, published 21 Sept 2026, accessed 18 Oct 2026
  2. Energy performance of data centres (opens in a new tab), European Commission, DG Energy, accessed 18 Oct 2026
  3. Commission Delegated Regulation establishing a common Union rating scheme for data centres and annexes (opens in a new tab), European Commission, DG Energy, published 21 Sept 2026, accessed 18 Oct 2026

Last checked 18 Oct 2026 by CoolPower Index research (automated, sourced). Report a correction.

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