EU Code of Conduct on Data Centres Energy Efficiency

EU Code of Conduct on Data Centres Energy Efficiency

Setting the Direction

As a measured response to the energy challenges that the EU faces, the European Union's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released a code of conduct for Data Centres (Code). Data Centres have been singled out specifically as they have been identified as high users of energy. The aim of the Code of Conduct is to encourage companies with Data Centres to become cost-effective thus reducing energy consumption whilst ensuring business objectives are met.

Best Practice Recommendations

The Code of Conduct establishes a basis for recognised best practice and a framework of operation for the design, operation, maintenance and retiring of Data Centres. The recommended best practice associated with the Code has been split into seven distinct areas:

• Data Centre Utilisation, Management and Planning
• IT Equipment and Services
• Cooling
• Data Centre Power Equipment
• Other Data Centre Equipment
• Data Centre Building
• Monitoring

Integrating into the existing environment
Although the Code provides a framework for establishment of best practice, it complements ITIL (the Information Technology Infrastructure Library set of concepts and policies for managing information technology) and other process oriented frameworks that could be employed in the Data Centre. This is important as to gain acceptance the Code must work seamlessly with existing process management systems in order to meet its key objectives.

How to get involved
Adherence to the Code is through its voluntary acceptance and implementation of its principles. The acceptance of the Code can be recognised formally by the EU through a formal application process with the EU JRC. The process sets out the rules and eligibility statements for acceptance as a 'Participant' or an 'Endorser'.

To gain Participant status a strong commitment to the aims of the Code is required and it is considerably likely that this will entail a measured and considered programme of change to evolve the participating Data Centre towards adoption of the Code's objectives. Refer to Participant for further information. As a purely voluntary scheme, there are no penalties incurred if compliance with the Code is not achieved, and resignation from the scheme can be taken at any time.

A similar approach exists for manufacturers, vendors, consultants and other interested organisations who have embraced the Code. Endorser status applies to organisations who are implementing its ethos into products or services that are aimed at helping Participants to achieve their obligations under the Code. Being an Endorser is also voluntary, but as Participants and 'Green-IT'-oriented companies look for vendors with similar aspirations, commercial benefits of being an Endorser will become apparent. Refer to Endorsers for further information.