On June 1, 2025, China’s first national standard for green data center evaluation, GB/T44989-2024 Evaluation of Green Data Center, was officially implemented. The standard was developed under the leadership of the China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI), with oversight from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
With the rapid development of the industry, data centers have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in terms of energy and resource consumption in China. Reducing their energy usage and achieving green, low-carbon development are key priorities for the nation. Conducting comprehensive evaluations of green data centers is an effective means to drive their transformation toward sustainability.
GB/T44989-2024 Evaluation of Green Data Center specifies requirements across multiple dimensions such as :
- Efficient resource utilization,
- Green design,
- Green procurement,
- Green operations and maintenance, and
- Green services.
It also takes into account future development trends in data centers, strengthening metrics for efficient computing resource utilization in the evaluation framework and highlighting the application of advanced technologies such as liquid cooling and high-efficiency IT equipment. This effectively guides the green and low-carbon development path for data centers in China.
Driven by the MIIT and other relevant departments, the industry has continued to evolve toward high efficiency, clean operations, intensive development, and circular green and low-carbon high-quality practices through a series of measures, including the selection of “National Green Data Center,” the release of advanced technology catalogs, and the formulation of key technical standards. By 2023, the average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of data centers in China reached around 1.4, a reduction of over 30% compared to 2011. To date, the state has selected a total of 246 “National Green Data Centers” across five batches, spanning key application fields such as telecommunications, the internet, public institutions, energy, and finance.
Importance on the Certification of the GB/T44989-2024 Evaluation of Green Data Center
- Improving Energy Efficiency
Helps promote the adoption of more efficient cooling technologies, power supply technologies, and intelligent operation and maintenance management in data centers, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving energy utilization efficiency.
- Reducing Operational Costs
By optimizing energy use, reducing water consumption, and adopting renewable energy, operational costs, including electricity, water, and potential carbon emission fees—can be significantly lowered.
- Enhancing Market Competitiveness
Helps elevate the brand image and market competitiveness of data centers. Against the backdrop of green development becoming a global consensus, more clients are inclined to choose green, low-carbon data center services.
- Accessing Policy and Financial Support
Many regions across the country offer policy support for green data centers, including financial incentives, tax benefits, and land-use advantages. These measures help further reduce operational costs and improve profitability.
- Promoting Sustainable Development
By adopting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing the circular economy, data centers can contribute to environmental protection and climate change mitigation, driving sustainable development.
This standard will impact future data center equipment manufacturers and data center operations.
Chinese source: https://ncem.nim.ac.cn/bzdt/1117079813606080512.html
