Chapter 09 · Sustainability & AISustainability & AI
Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact
Definition
A European self-regulatory initiative under which data-centre operators and trade associations commit to making facilities climate neutral by 2030.
References
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Overview
What it means
The Pact sets measurable targets: new data centres meet annual PUE of 1. 3 (cool climates) or 1. 4 (warm climates) from 2025, existing ones by 2030; electricity matched by 75% renewable or hourly carbon-free energy by end-2025 and 100% by 2030; water-conservation targets; heat-reuse provisions; and circular-economy requirements for server equipment. Signatories passed 100 in 2022.
How it is used
Signatories report progress against the targets, with metrics aligned to the EU's mandatory data-centre reporting scheme. The Pact engages with the Commission on metrics and has pivoted from self-audit toward informing EU policy, including the developing data-centre rating scheme.
Why it matters
The Pact is the sector's collective promise, written before mandatory disclosure arrived. Its future significance lies in whether its targets remain ahead of regulation — and whether members' reported data confirms delivery.