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 certification process offers a straightforward pathway for applicants to measure their datacenter’s (DC) or IT stack’s efficiency and get recognized for their commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Whether you're certifying your DC infrastructure, IT infrastructure, or both, the process ensures transparency and alignment with key industry standards.
Step 1 - Account Creation & Navigator Setup
Begin by creating an account in the SDEA Navigator and setting up one or multiple dashboards, one for each certification application.
Each dashboard provides access to three calculators that evaluate DC and IT infrastructure efficiency – either individually or combined – reflecting critical parameters such as energy use, resource utilization, and emissions.
You'll be provided with detailed documentation when you register in the SDEA Navigator.
Step 2 - KPI Calculation & Audit
The SDEA Navigator calculates key efficiency markers for your infrastructure. The KPI Factsheet offers clarity on these metrics, segmented into into DC infrastructure, IT infrastructure and ingress energy sources.
With all relevant data entered, review your results – and then click "certify" to launch the certification process. You can select one of the following certification scopes:
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DC Infrastructure Only: Focuses on your DC's energy efficiency and emissions, independent of the IT infrastructure.
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DC Instance: Covers both the DC and IT infrastructure, either owned by the same organization, or if the IT is hosted in an SDEA certified DC.
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IT Infrastructure Only: Evaluates energy and resource efficiency for on-premise or colocation IT infrastructure, independent of where it's hosted.
To attain certification, you must meet or fall below certain thresholds, with additional requirements for the premium variant, available for "DC Instance" or "DC Infrastructure Only":
Label Thresholds
After submitting your data, you will engage an independent auditor to verify your KPIs. The audit process validates your efficiency and emissions metrics to confirm your adherence to the SDEA certification thresholds.
The "Certification Guide", provided to you at the beginning of the certification process, includes a list of auditors to choose from.
Step 3 - Validation & Certification
Once the auditor completes their review, the SDEA Board will assess the audit report to determine the appropriate label level (GOLD, SILVER, or BRONZE).
If approved, you’ll receive a certification toolkit and guidelines for communicating your SDEA Label, which is valid for three years.
Label & Certification Costs
The label costs vary based on the type of structure certified. For a non-binding offer, please send a request to certification@sdea.ch – including your company's name and the type and size of the structure to be certified.
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
