The EU data-center rating scheme
On 21 September 2026 the European Commission adopted a mandatory rating scheme for data centers, with separate A-to-G grades for energy and water. A summary as of 3 November 2026, with sources. General information, not legal advice.
Who it covers
Data centers with an IT power demand of at least 500 kW, which already report to the European database under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364 (DLA Piper, 9 September 2024). Data centers under construction submit expected values.
The grades
| Grade | Energy (PUE) | Water (WUE) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1.15 or less | 0.1 or less |
| G | Above 1.9 | Above 1.0 |
Energy and water receive separate grades. The scheme also considers energy sourcing, grid flexibility, whether a site is ready to reuse waste heat, and cooling degree days (Latham & Watkins, 25 September 2026; European Commission, rating scheme act C(2026) 3472).
Energy sourcing, counted strictly
For energy sourcing, "new" clean generation means plants built or substantially refurbished within 10 years, with guarantees of origin from the same bidding zone or Member State, matched to the consumption period (Freshfields, 24 September 2026, updated 8 October 2026).
Key dates
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 21 September 2026 | Commission adopts the rating scheme |
| 21 September to 14 December 2026 | Consultation on minimum performance standards |
| 21 January 2027 | Deadline for objections, after Parliament extended its scrutiny on 6 October 2026 |
| Second quarter of 2027 | Legislative proposal on minimum performance standards expected |
| 15 August 2027 | First labels due, then every year |
Sources: Latham & Watkins, 25 September 2026; Freshfields, 24 September 2026, updated 8 October 2026.
What it means for measurement
The energy grade rests on PUE, which the Joule Ledger reports as the Overhead Ratio at M4 over M3, from at least 12 months of energy data. The water grade needs water metering, which the Joule Ledger does not cover. See the crosswalk.
Questions
Does the scheme apply to small server rooms?
It applies to data centers with an IT power demand of at least 500 kW.
Is the scheme final?
It was adopted by the Commission on 21 September 2026 and is subject to Parliament and Council scrutiny until 21 January 2027.
Sources
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The EU data-center rating scheme adopted 21 September 2026: separate A-to-G grades for energy (PUE) and water (WUE), who it covers, and the 2027 dates.