EU launches green datacentre code of conduct

The EU launched a new voluntary code of conduct for datacentre operators yesterday, designed to help them cut energy costs and curb the IT sector's burgeoning carbon footprint.

Firms signing up to the code will be expected to adhere to a range of best practices intended to enhance datacentre energy efficiency, include environmental and energy considerations in their purchasing criteria and report annually on their energy consumption.

Lord Hunt, minister for sustainable development and energy innovation, said that with government figures showing that three per cent of UK electricity is used in datacentres, there was a strong case for firms to follow the new code.

"By signing up to this new code of conduct, companies can save energy and save money too, which goes to show that what’s good for the environment is good for business," he said.

John Higgins, Director General of Intellect, the trade association for the UK technology industry which was involved in the development of the code, welcomed the move. "Through this initiative we will better understand which practices are most effective and provide improved capacity at reduced cost to the environment, " he said.

However, critics have claimed that the voluntary nature of the code and the fact that businesses that fail to report energy use or meet emission targets will face no repercussions will undermine its effectiveness.

But Rob Coupland, chief operating officer of Telecity Group – which is one of the first companies to sign up to the code – said that the code would secure strong support from industry as growing number of firms are looking to cut their datacentre energy bills anyway. "Improving efficiency is good business for us as much as anything else," he said.