Certifying Best Practices | Improving Performance
Recognizing Energy Efficiency in Data Centers
A global, independent evaluation program designed to distinguish data centers that lead in sustainability and energy efficiency.
Learn more about the CEEDA recognition process
What is CEEDA?
CEEDA is an independent recognition for data centers that evaluates energy efficiency and sustainability, in both design and operation.
We rely on cutting-edge AI tools to review evidence, detect outliers and prioritize the actions that have the greatest impact. The result is a clear roadmap to improve performance, costs, and compliance (EED/CSRD/ISO/ASHRAE, as applicable).
CEEDA does not replace legal obligations; it facilitates and accelerates them with verifiable evidence.
Why CEEDA?
Independent
External audit and evidence verification.
AI-Powered
Risk detection and prioritization based on data.
Flexible
Controls adapted to the type of DC, year of construction and project phase (design or operation).
Accelerated Compliance
Facilitates EED/CSRD and industry standards.
Actionable Roadmap
Prioritized actions to reduce risk.
Visible Recognition (award)
Public communication of achievement.
8 Evaluated Sections
Management & Reporting
Assessment of policies, energy management procedures and sustainability.
Architecture
Analysis of physical design, architecture, insulation and structural efficiency.
Power Supply
Efficiency of electrical systems, from power entry to all distribution points and ICT equipment.
Environmental Control
Analysis of key cooling, ventilation and environmental control systems.
ICT Software
Use of tools that optimize operation and energy control of the data center.
ICT Compute
Efficiency of processing hardware, including servers and virtualization strategies.
ICT Storage
Evaluation of the type of storage used and its energy efficiency.
ICT Network & Communications
Optimization of energy performance in networking and telecommunications equipment.
CEEDA Scale (Performance Levels 1 to 5)
Level 1
Meets minimum regulatory requirements and limited initial evidence.
Level 2
Implements some energy efficiency practices, with room for improvement.
Level 3
Meets most assigned controls and demonstrates active management of efficiency.
Level 4
Shows operational excellence, strong metrics (PUE/WUE) and verified continuous improvement.
Level 5
Represents best international practices in sustainability, innovation and performance.
CEEDA: A Recognition to Lead in Sustainability
With CEEDA, data centers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, helping reduce carbon footprint and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Best Practices: CEEDA is aligned with renowned standards such as ISO 30134, Green Grid metrics, and the EU Code of Conduct, providing a structured guide to improve efficiency.
CEEDA Evaluation Standards
-
ISO 30134
Energy efficiency standards for data centers.
-
ASHRAE
Guidelines and recommendations for efficient data center design.
-
Green Grid
Leading edge efficiency metrics for sustainable operations.
-
European Code of Conduct
Seeks to improve energy efficiency in data centers and reduce their environmental and economic impact.
What does CEEDA® give you?
-
Reduction of operational costs
By identifying opportunities for improvement in energy use, CEEDA enables the implementation of strategies that result in tangible savings, both in physical infrastructure and IT systems.
-
Regulatory compliance and foresight
The scheme takes into account and aligns with various mandatory regulations and directives across global regions: EED, Delegated Regulation 2024/1364, CSRD, California Title 24, Singapore’s Green Mark, China’s Governmental Plan, ISO management standards…
-
Enhanced brand image and institutional positioning
Gaining independent recognition to demonstrate due diligence in energy efficiency and sustainability in a clear, credible, and transparent way to both clients and institutional stakeholders.
-
Flexible and modular assessment
Each facility can be evaluated as a whole or by specific areas, allowing for an approach tailored to operational reality, available budget, or the data center’s lifecycle.
-
Evidence-based technical approach
CEEDA goes beyond superficial checklists. The assessment is based on documentation, detailed technical analysis, on-site visits, and interviews with the personnel responsible for each evaluated area.
-
Organizational impact
Beyond the final report, CEEDA fosters the development of an internal culture of energy efficiency, involving all areas responsible for the data center’s performance.
More in The Energy & Sustainability Channel
-
We are delighted to have attained this achievement - we take our corporate social responsibility very seriously and developing an energy efficient data center is part of this. To have achieved a CEEDA Gold standard is excellent.
Richard Harris, CIO, ARM -
Through following some of the CEEDA elements, the reduction of energy usage has been a measurable factor - at the same time as computing load has been increasing, we’ve managed to deliver more for less.
Steve Watt, CIO, University of St. Andrews -
We are proud of the certification – it is useful to be able to tell customers that apart from the high availability, we have high efficiency: customers appreciate that is a continuous, on-going necessity.
Dax Simpson, Director, Data Center Infrastructure, KIO Networks