Certification
Step 2 - KPI Calculation and Audit (draft)
Our team has invested months into developing a unique tool to calculate energy efficiency KPIs for datacenters. In order to test your instance’s energy efficiency, you will receive the KPI Tool (pending application invoice payment) to test your instances’ measures. The resulting index should be compared to our published thresholds below to determine eligibility and level of certification (base and premium variant).
As a reminder, the KPI Factsheet provides an overview of the classification of KPIs into IT infrastructure, DC infrastructure and ingress energy sources.
The thresholds (updated November 2020)
Certification Process
The SDEA's certification process allows applicants to register, evaluate their datacenter using our exclusive KPI Tool, and determine when to engage an independent auditor for verification. Once the auditor's report reaches the SDEA board, it will review the application and award the corresponding label.
Here's everything you need to begin your application for SDEA Label. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at any time.
Step 1 - Application
To get started, download and complete the registration form, which will officially kick off your certification process. Ensure you have all the required information ready before registration. Send the completed form to certification@sdea.ch.
Necessary details:
-
Technical contact details (person responsible for certification)
-
Department head contact information
-
General company information
Please be aware that the registration is valid for six months. After that it expires and you have to register again.
Note that completion of this step requires agreement to the legal terms in the registration form and payment of the initial application invoice (see Label & Certification Costs).
Step 2 - KPI Calculation & Audit
Our unique KPI Tool assesses vital efficiency markers for datacenters. The KPI Factsheet offers clarity on these metrics, segmented into into IT infrastructure, DC infrastructure and ingress energy sources.
Within the KPI Tool, you will need to detail the specific structure for which the certification applies. Certifications are applicable to one of the three structures described below:
-
DC Infrastructure Only: Here, the owner can offer DC infrastructure for others to utilize for their IT infrastructure. To promote the efficiency of the DC infrastructure, the owner can seek a label exclusively for the DC infrastructure, with nominal KPIs for IT infrastructure.
-
DC Instance: In this scenario, a single owner possesses both the DC and IT infrastructure and can apply for them together.
-
IT Infrastructure Only: Here, an IT infrastructure owner can apply for a label if hosted by an already certified SDEA DC infrastructure host. The SDEA reference number for the host’s certified DC infrastructure must be specified in the registration.
Certification demands precise details about the size and location of the instance, with independent verification during the audit.
To attain certification, you must meet or fall below certain thresholds, with additional requirements for the premium variant:
Label Thresholds
DC Efficiency Index (DCE)
Carbon Index (CUE)
GOLD Plus
1.20
100g CO₂e/kWh
SILVER Plus
1.35
100g CO₂e/kWh
BRONZE Plus
1.50
100g CO₂e/kWh
DCE
GOLD
1.20
SILVER
1.35
BRONZE
1.50
Before applying, applicants must consult an independent auditor. The audit process includes validation of KPIs measured by applicants and utilized in the KPI Tool to determine efficiency and emissions indices for a DC Instance, DC Infrastructure, or IT Infrastructure.
The Certification Guide, provided to the applicant upon registration, includes a list of auditors to select from.
Step 3 - Validation & Certification
Upon receipt of the auditor's report, the SDEA board will evaluate the application and decide on certification approval and the level to be assigned.
If approved, the applicant will be notified via email and sent a labeling invoice, followed by a labeling toolkit and usage guidelines.
The label is valid for three years. A one-time fee for the rights to use and communicate the label is charged for this period.
Label & Certification Costs
The label has costs that vary based on the type of structure certified. For a detailed breakdown of costs, please send a request, including your company's name and the type and size of the structure to be certified, to certification@sdea.ch.
SDEA operates as a non-profit organization. Our primary goal is to promote sustainability within datacenters. All fees are allocated to cover operational costs, label development, and initiatives that further our mission.
Start Your Journey Towards Measurable Sustainability
Certified Companies
