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EU launches sustainability label for data centers over 500kW

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 3:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The European Union introduced a sustainability label for data centres over 500 kW on 21 September.
The label aims to increase transparency on energy and water use and guide procurement.
An anonymous Commission official said about 50% of centres reported compliance after three years.
EU member states will enforce the label, with performance standards slated for 2027.
Microsoft’s July 2026 lobby note backed clean-power metrics but sought changes to water-efficiency bands.

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Story summary

The European Union introduced a sustainability label for data centres over 500 kW on 21 September.
The label aims to increase transparency on energy and water use and guide procurement.
An anonymous Commission official said about 50% of centres reported compliance after three years.
EU member states will enforce the label, with performance standards slated for 2027.
Microsoft’s July 2026 lobby note backed clean-power metrics but sought changes to water-efficiency bands.