IET proposes sustainability ratings for data centres
Budget response links AI infrastructure expansion with grid resilience and local benefits
New UK data centres could receive bronze, silver and gold sustainability ratings under a proposal outlined by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in its Autumn Budget response. The press release welcomes the Data Centre Covenant’s recognition of energy supply and community benefits, while questioning how sustainability will be secured.
The IET highlights waste-heat reuse, environmental standards and apprenticeships, but warns that accelerated grid connections and temporary on-site generation need careful assessment. It also cautions that permanent jobs at individual sites may be relatively modest, with wider benefits depending on businesses, suppliers and skills development.
Why this matters for policymakers
- Standards Policy analysis: Any rating scheme would need measurable criteria and credible verification.
- Grid planning Policy analysis: Faster connections should be assessed against long-term network resilience.
- Local value Policy analysis: Appraisals should distinguish permanent site jobs from wider economic benefits.
Image: Illustrative photograph of Worldwide LHC Computing Grid servers at CERN, not a UK project covered by the Budget response. Sashimi-b, CC BY 4.0. Resized and converted to JPEG for display.