New Buildings Institute (NBI) is launching a first-of-its-kind Data Center Energy Performance Evaluation Framework (DC-EPEF), a guide that gives governments and communities a framework for review and decision-making around data center projects. Currently, data center developments are straining grid infrastructure, raising costs for ratepayers, and inciting strong community opposition. While some states have implemented temporary moratoria, long-term governance frameworks are needed to offer a roadmap going forward. The DC-EPEF summarizes current data center standards and metrics, identifies key gaps and opportunities, and outlines ways to leverage existing regulations and incentives to advance technologies that strengthen the grid and protect the environment.
Outlined in a new report, Measuring What Matters: A New Framework for Data Center Performance, the DC-EPEF unites existing metrics and frameworks that focus on water usage, energy, carbon emissions, heat management, and other components. This new resource proposes a future-ready data center evaluation framework as the best way to support state and local decision makers. The framework targets four dimensions of performance:
- Energy, water, and emissions metrics that go beyond mechanical- and electrical- system efficiency to capture total resource consumption and environmental impact.
- Grid stress and demand flexibility targets that measure a data center’s ability to adjust workload and energy demand in response to grid conditions—which are increasingly critical as large loads multiply.
- Adaptability to account for regional grid, water, climate, and community conditions while keeping standards current with rapid industry change.
- Tiered requirements combining mandatory minimums tied to grid interconnection with more ambitious targets linked to financial incentives and certification—driving cost-effective adoption at scale without sacrificing ambition.
“By implementing these measures, local and state governments can offer a clearer, more transparent process for data center development. We can simultaneously offer higher building performance standards, active community engagement, and a clear process for all parties,” says Nora Wang Esram, NBI’s CEO and lead report author.
Those who wish to learn more about the report can attend a September 22, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT webinar, “Getting Data Centers Right: A Framework for Action,” in which report authors and other industry experts will discuss the DC-EPEF and the path forward for better data center development.
The report was written by staff at New Buildings Institute with support from the Blue Horizons Foundation.
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About New Buildings Institute
New Buildings Institute (NBI) provides trusted, independent expertise to create buildings that are better for people, communities, and the planet. Our work focuses on increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and improving indoor air quality in the built environment. From driving leading-edge design, curating innovative technologies, creating community-driven public policy, and supporting cutting-edge market solutions, our work lowers energy costs, delivers improved health and safety, and increases resilience to improve lives. To learn more about NBI and our work, visit newbuildings.org.