28 Nov 2008

EU data centre rules become active

Regulations on the use of data centres from the European commission were launched this week, the government's Market Transformation Programme (MTP) noted.

The rules are intended to implement standards of best practice and cut energy consumption in data centres in Europe by up to 20 per cent.

It comes after data centres and housing computer servers from industry, businesses and administrations were found to be responsible for almost three per cent of electricity use in the UK.

"The key aim of the code of conduct is to inform data centre operators and encourage them to reduce energy consumption without hampering the performance of such facilities," the MTP said.

Microsoft and BT are among the organisations which have indicated their willingness to sign up to the European code of conduct.

The Green Grid, a global consortium set up to promote energy efficiency in data centres, has already announced its support.

British Computer Society chair Bob Harvey recently described the rules as a "vital step forward for the industry".