EN 50600-4-3:2016
(Main)Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor
Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor
This European Standard: a) defines the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) of a data centre; b) specifies a methodology to calculate and to present the REF; c) provides information on the correct interpretation of the REF.
Informationstechnik - Einrichtungen und Infrastrukturen von Rechenzentren - Teil 4-3: Anteil erneuerbarer Energien
Technologie de l’information - Installation et infrastructures de centres de traitement de données - Partie 4-3 : Coefficient d'énergie renouvelable
La présente Norme européenne: a) définit le Coefficient d'énergie renouvelable (REF) d’un centre de traitement de données; b) spécifie une méthodologie permettant de calculer et de présenter le REF; c) fournit des informations sur l’interprétation correcte du REF.
Informacijska tehnologija - Naprave in infrastruktura podatkovnih centrov - 4-3. del: Delež obnovljive energije
Ta evropski standard:
a) opredeljuje delež obnovljive energije (REF) podatkovnega centra;
b) določa metodologijo za izračun in predstavitev deleža obnovljive energije;
c) podaja informacije o pravilni interpretaciji deleža obnovljive energije.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 22-Dec-2016
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 215 - Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment
- Drafting Committee
- CLC/TC 215 - Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 16-Jun-2021
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 20-Mar-2018
Overview
EN 50600-4-3:2016 (CLC) defines the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) for data centres and specifies a standardised methodology to calculate, measure, present and interpret it. REF is a key performance indicator (KPI) expressed as the ratio of renewable energy owned and controlled by a data centre to the total annual data centre energy consumption. The standard targets data centre managers and stakeholders seeking a consistent metric for reporting and improving the share of renewable energy in a data centre’s energy portfolio.
Key topics and requirements
- Definition of REF - REF = Eren / EDC, where:
- Eren = renewable energy (kWh) owned and controlled by the data centre (including on‑site generation whose environmental attributes are retired by the data centre, and purchased renewable energy certificates where applicable).
- EDC = total annual data centre energy consumption (kWh) measured at the data centre boundary, including supporting infrastructure (electricity, gas, district utilities).
- Measurement & boundary rules - Total energy is measured at the data centre boundary or at the point of generation within that boundary; the standard clarifies what energy types to include.
- Use of renewable energy certificates (RECs) - Provides guidance on how tradable instruments are treated when establishing ownership/control of renewable attributes (see Annex A).
- Calculation methodology - Stepwise approach and worked examples are provided (Annex B, Annex C) to compute REF, including time‑interval summation for variable renewable generation.
- Reporting and interpretation - Reporting formats, recommended disclosure items and correct interpretation of REF as a KPI are outlined to ensure comparability and transparency.
- Scope limitations - REF is focused on the share of renewable electricity and does not set performance targets or aggregate with other KPIs.
Practical applications and users
- Data centre managers and operators - Monitor and report renewable energy share, set procurement targets, and validate progress toward corporate sustainability goals.
- Facility and energy planners - Use REF to design energy procurement strategies (on‑site generation, power purchase agreements, RECs) and balance mix between local generation and grid supply.
- Sustainability and compliance teams - Demonstrate compliance with national or corporate renewable energy targets and support claims about renewable energy use.
- Consultants, designers and integrators - Incorporate REF considerations into data centre design, metering strategy and energy management systems.
Related standards
- EN 50600-1 - General concepts for data centre facilities and infrastructures
- EN 50600-4-1 - Overview and general requirements for KPIs
- EN 50600-4-2 - Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
- CLC/TR 50600-99-1 - Recommended practices for energy management
Keywords: EN 50600-4-3, Renewable Energy Factor, REF, data centre, renewable energy certificate, KPI, data centre energy consumption, REF calculation, PUE.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 50600-4-3:2016 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor". This standard covers: This European Standard: a) defines the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) of a data centre; b) specifies a methodology to calculate and to present the REF; c) provides information on the correct interpretation of the REF.
This European Standard: a) defines the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) of a data centre; b) specifies a methodology to calculate and to present the REF; c) provides information on the correct interpretation of the REF.
EN 50600-4-3:2016 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 35.020 - Information technology (IT) in general; 35.110 - Networking; 35.160 - Microprocessor systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 50600-4-3:2016 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 50600-4-3:2016/A1:2019. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 50600-4-3:2016 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/462. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Informacijska tehnologija - Naprave in infrastruktura podatkovnih centrov - 4-3. del: Delež obnovljive energijeInformationstechnik - Einrichtungen und Infrastrukturen von Rechenzentren - Teil 4-3: Anteil erneuerbarer EnergienTechnologie de l’information - Installation et infrastructures de centres de traitement de données - Partie 4-3 : Coefficient d'énergie renouvelableInformation technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor35.110OmreževanjeNetworkingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 50600-4-3:2016SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017en01-februar-2017SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 50600-4-3
December 2016 ICS 35.020; 35.110; 35.160
English Version
Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor
Technologie de l'information - Installation et infrastructures de centres de traitement de données - Partie 4-3 : Coefficient d'énergie renouvelable
Informationstechnik - Einrichtungen und Infrastrukturen von Rechenzentren - Teil 4-3: Anteil erneuerbarer Energien This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2016-10-10. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions. CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2016 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50600-4-3:2016 E SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017
Contents Page European foreword . 3 Introduction . 4 1 Scope . 7 2 Normative references . 7 3 Terms, definitions, abbreviations and symbols . 7 3.1 Terms and definitions . 7 3.2 Abbreviations . 8 3.3 Symbols . 8 4 Relevance of Renewable Energy Factor . 8 5 Determination of Renewable Energy Factor . 8 5.1 General . 8 5.2 Total data centre energy consumption . 9 5.3 Total data centre energy consumption in mixed-use buildings . 10 6 Measurement of Renewable Energy Factor . 10 7 Directions for use of Renewable Energy Factor . 11 8 Reporting of Renewable Energy Factor . 11 Annex A (informative)
Renewable Energy Factor and authorities issuing a renewable energy certificate . 12 Annex B (informative)
Examples of Renewable Energy Factor calculation . 13 Annex C (informative)
Renewable Energy Factor calculation as a summation of the usage of renewable energy in different time intervals . 18 Bibliography 19
Figures Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50600 series of documents . 5 Figure B.1 — Grid energy purchased without RE certificates . 13 Figure B.2 — RE certificates purchased and retired for 20 % of the energy owned and controlled by the data centre . 14 Figure B.3 — RE certificates for locally generated RE are retired by the data centre . 15 Figure B.4 — Locally generated energy sold to the utility with RE certificates retired by the data centre . 16 Figure B.5 — Case of on-site RE generation exceeding the data centre's consumption . 17
Tables Table A.1 — Description of REF and authorities issuing a RE certificate . 12
Introduction The unrestricted access to internet-based information demanded by the information society has led to an exponential growth of both internet traffic and the volume of stored/retrieved data. Data centres are housing and supporting the information technology and network telecommunications equipment for data processing, data storage and data transport. They are required both by network operators (delivering those services to customer premises) and by enterprises within those customer premises. Data centres need to provide modular, scalable and flexible facilities and infrastructures to easily accommodate the rapidly changing requirements of the market. In addition, energy consumption of data centres has become critical both from an environmental point of view (reduction of carbon footprint) and with respect to economic considerations (cost of energy) for the data centre operator. The implementation of data centres varies in terms of: a) purpose (enterprise, co-location, co-hosting, or network operator facilities); b) security level; c) physical size; d) accommodation (mobile, temporary and permanent constructions). The needs of data centres also vary in terms of availability of service, the provision of security and the objectives for energy efficiency. These needs and objectives influence the design of data centres in terms of building construction, power distribution, environmental control and physical security. Effective management and operational information is required to monitor achievement of the defined needs and objectives. This series of European Standards specifies requirements and recommendations to support the various parties involved in the design, planning, procurement, integration, installation, operation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructures within data centres. These parties include: 1) owners, facility managers, ICT managers, project managers, main contractors; 2) architects, consultants, building designers and builders, system and installation designers; 3) facility and infrastructure integrators, suppliers of equipment; 4) installers, maintainers. At the time of publication of this European Standard, the EN 50600 series will comprise the following standards and documents: — EN 50600-1, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 1: General concepts; — EN 50600-2-1, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-1: Building construction; — EN 50600-2-2, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-2: Power distribution; — EN 50600-2-3, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-3: Environmental control; — EN 50600-2-4, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-4: Telecommunications cabling infrastructure; SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017
— EN 50600-2-5, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-5: Security systems; — EN 50600-3-1, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 3-1: Management and operational information; — EN 50600-4-1, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 4-1: Overview of and general requirements for key performance indicators; — EN 50600-4-2, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 4-2: Power Usage Effectiveness; — EN 50600-4-3, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor; — CLC/TR 50600-99-1, Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 99-1: Recommended practices for energy management. The inter-relationship of the standards within the EN 50600 series is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50600 series of documents EN 50600-2-X standards specify requirements and recommendations for particular facilities and infrastructures to support the relevant classification for “availability”, “physical security” and “energy efficiency enablement” selected from EN 50600-1. EN 50600-3-X documents specify requirements and recommendations for data centre operations, processes and management. EN 50600-4-X documents specify requirements and recommendations for key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess and improve the resource usage efficiency and effectiveness, respectively, of a data centre. In today’s digital society data centre growth, and power consumption in particular, is an inevitable consequence and that growth will demand increasing power consumption despite the most stringent energy efficiency strategies. This makes the need for key performance indicators that cover the effective use of resources (including but not limited to energy) and the reduction of CO2 emissions essential. NOTE 1 Within the EN 50600–4-X series, the term “resource usage effectiveness” is more generally used for KPIs in preference to “resource usage efficiency”, which is restricted to situations where the input and output parameters used to define the KPI have the same units. SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017
In order to enable the optimum resource effectiveness of data centres a suite of effective KPIs is needed to measure and report on resources consumed in order to develop an improvement roadmap. These standards are intended to accelerate the provision of operational infrastructures with improved resource usage effectiveness. This European Standard specifies the Renewable Energy Factor (REF), which provides a quantitative metric for the actual use of renewable energy, in the form of electricity, in a data centre. NOTE 2 This standard adopts the ISO/IEC definition of renewable energy, but defers to the definition that apply within local jurisdiction(s). The use of and the demand for renewable energy becomes increasingly popular since it reduces or replaces the use of non-renewable energy sources. In many countries, legislation promotes the use of renewable energy and gives incentives in order to increase the diversity of energy dependence and improve the social sustainability. In several countries, governments have targets for the use of renewable energy and/or companies have a target for the use of renewable energy among all electricity consumed. The use of renewable energy as one of the sources to power data centre becomes increasingly important as their electricity consumption has risen to a significant share of the total global electricity consumption. This European Standard is intended for use by data centre managers. The use of the Renewable Energy Factor as a key performance indicator allows data centre managers to improve a data centre’s energy procurement portfolio and increase the diversity of energy dependence. Data centre managers can confirm their achievement of the use of renewable energy to their national or corporate targets. Additional standards in the EN 50600-4-X series will be developed, each describing a specific KPI for resource usage effectiveness or efficiency. The EN 50600-4-X series does not specify limits or targets for any KPI and does not describe or imply, unless specifically stated, any form of aggregation of individual KPIs into a combined nor an overall KPI for data centre resource usage effectiveness or efficiency. This series of European Standards does not address the selection of information technology and network telecommunications equipment, software and associated configuration issues. SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017
1 Scope This European Standard: a) defines the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) of a data centre; b) specifies a methodology to calculate and to present the REF; c) provides information on the correct interpretation of the REF. 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 50600-1, Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 1: General concepts ISO 8601, Data elements and interchange formats — Information interchange — Representation of dates and times 3 Terms, definitions, abbreviations and symbols 3.1 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 50600-1 and the following apply. 3.1.1 renewable energy energy obtained from a renewable energy source Note 1 to en
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SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017 표준 문서는 데이터 센터 시설 및 인프라에 관련된 중요한 기준 중 하나로, 특히 재생 에너지 요소(REF)에 대한 정의와 계산 방법을 명확하게 제시하고 있습니다. 이 표준의 범위는 데이터 센터의 재생 에너지 요소를 정의하는 것뿐만 아니라, REF를 계산하고 제시하기 위한 방법론을 규명하여 실질적인 활용 방안을 제공합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 재생 에너지 요소에 대한 정확한 해석을 위한 정보 제공입니다. 이는 데이터 센터 운영자들이 재생 가능 에너지를 최대한 활용할 수 있도록 돕고, 에너지 효율성을 향상시키는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 그 결과, 데이터 센터가 환경적으로 지속 가능하도록 기여하고, 전체 에너지 소비량 감소를 이끌어낼 수 있습니다. SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017 표준은 유럽 연합의 에너지 정책과 부합하며, 데이터 센터의 운영 및 설계에 있어 필수적인 기준으로 자리 잡고 있습니다. 이는 데이터 센터에 대한 국제적인 신뢰성을 높이고, 친환경적 운영을 촉진하는 데 중요한 역할을 수행합니다. 이러한 점에서 이 표준은 현대 데이터 센터 관리에서 필연적으로 고려해야 할 기준이라고 할 수 있습니다.
Die EN 50600-4-3:2016 ist eine wesentliche Norm im Bereich der Informationstechnologie, die sich auf die Einrichtungen und Infrastrukturen von Rechenzentren konzentriert. Diese Norm legt den Schwerpunkt auf den Renewable Energy Factor (REF) eines Rechenzentrums und präsentiert dabei mehrere wichtige Aspekte. Zunächst definiert die Norm klar, was unter dem Renewable Energy Factor zu verstehen ist, was eine grundlegende Voraussetzung für die Messung und Bewertung der Energieeffizienz von Rechenzentren darstellt. Durch die spezifischen Vorgaben zur Berechnung und Präsentation des REF wird eine einheitliche Methodik geschaffen, die es Unternehmen ermöglicht, ihre Energieverwendung transparent darzustellen und zu optimieren. Diese Standardisierung ist besonders wertvoll, da sie eine Vergleichbarkeit zwischen verschiedenen Rechenzentren ermöglicht und somit Best Practices fördert. Ein weiterer signifikanter Vorteil der EN 50600-4-3:2016 ist die detaillierte Erklärung zur korrekten Interpretation des REF. Dies hilft den Anwendenden, Missverständnisse zu vermeiden und die Norm effizient in der Praxis umzusetzen. Die klare Struktur und die präzise Sprache der Norm unterstützen die Nutzer dabei, den Renewable Energy Factor für ihre spezifischen Gegebenheiten nachvollziehbar zu ermitteln. Die Relevanz der EN 50600-4-3:2016 wird auch durch die wachsende Bedeutung erneuerbarer Energien im IT-Sektor unterstrichen. Mit dem Fokus auf den Renewable Energy Factor bietet die Norm einen wichtigen Leitfaden für Unternehmen, die ihre Umweltauswirkungen reduzieren und nachhaltigere Betriebskonzepte entwickeln möchten. In einer Zeit, in der Nachhaltigkeit zunehmend ins Zentrum der Unternehmensstrategie rückt, trägt die Norm dazu bei, dass Rechenzentren nicht nur energieeffizient, sondern auch umweltfreundlicher werden. Insgesamt leistet die EN 50600-4-3:2016 einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Förderung von Nachhaltigkeit in der IT-Branche und stellt sicher, dass Rechenzentren in der Lage sind, ihren Energieverbrauch angemessen zu messen und zu verbessern.
La norme EN 50600-4-3:2016, intitulée « Technologies de l'information - Infrastructures et installations des centres de données - Partie 4-3 : Facteur d'énergie renouvelable », s'inscrit dans une démarche pertinente et nécessaire face aux défis actuels liés à la durabilité des infrastructures technologiques. Cette norme définit clairement le Facteur d'Énergie Renouvelable (REF) d'un centre de données, ce qui offre un cadre précis pour évaluer l'utilisation d'énergie renouvelable dans ces installations. Un des points forts de cette norme est la méthodologie qu'elle spécifie pour le calcul et la présentation du REF. Cela permet aux exploitants de centres de données de mesurer et d'optimiser leur empreinte environnementale de manière transparente et systématique. La norme encourage également une interprétation correcte du REF, ce qui est essentiel pour garantir une communication claire des performances énergétiques aux parties prenantes et parties intéressées. En outre, la norme EN 50600-4-3:2016 est particulièrement pertinente dans le contexte actuel où la transition vers des énergies renouvelables est au cœur des préoccupations économiques et environnementales. Bel exemple de standardisation, elle répond à un besoin crucial dans le secteur des technologies de l'information et des infrastructures des centres de données, en fournissant un cadre compatible avec les objectifs de durabilité globaux. Enfin, le document SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017 constitue une ressource indispensable pour les professionnels souhaitant se conformer aux meilleures pratiques en matière d'énergie renouvelable dans les centres de données, renforçant ainsi l'engagement du secteur vers des solutions plus durables et respectueuses de l'environnement.
SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017は、データセンター施設およびインフラに関する重要な標準であり、その中でも再生可能エネルギー係数（REF）に焦点を当てています。この標準は、データセンターの再生可能エネルギーの使用状況を評価するための基準を提供しており、サステナビリティに対する企業の取り組みを測定するための重要なツールです。 この標準の主な強みは、再生可能エネルギー係数を定義し、計算および提示するための明確な方法論を指定している点です。この方法論は、データセンターのエネルギー効率を管理し、環境への影響を最小限に抑えるための指針を提供します。また、REFの正しい解釈に関する情報も含まれており、運用者が実際のデータを正確に理解し、適切な改善策を講じることを可能にします。 さらに、EN 50600-4-3:2016は、再生可能エネルギーの導入を促進するための国際的な枠組みを提供しており、データセンター業界における持続可能な運用と社会的責任を強調しています。この標準は、データセンターが持続可能なエネルギーソリューションを導入する際の基盤となるため、その重要性は増しています。 全体的に、SIST EN 50600-4-3:2017は、データセンターの再生可能エネルギーの効果的な利用と評価を支援するための不可欠な標準であり、持続可能な開発目標を達成するために必要なリソースを提供しています。
The EN 50600-4-3:2016 standard, specifically titled "Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 4-3: Renewable Energy Factor," addresses an essential aspect of sustainability in the realm of data centre operations. This standard provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and calculating the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) of data centres, making it highly pertinent to current global initiatives focused on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. One of the notable strengths of this standard is its clear definition of the Renewable Energy Factor. By establishing a common terminology and measurement criteria, the standard facilitates uniformity across the industry, enabling stakeholders to assess and compare different data centres' renewable energy contributions accurately. The methodology outlined for calculating and presenting the REF is methodical and detailed, ensuring that data centre operators can implement these guidelines effectively and transparently. Moreover, the EN 50600-4-3:2016 standard addresses the interpretation of the REF, which is crucial in preventing any misrepresentation of data centre sustainability claims. This aspect not only promotes integrity in reporting but also enhances the credibility of the renewable energy initiatives undertaken by data centres. In conclusion, the relevance of this standard cannot be overstated. As data centres continue to expand globally, the focus on renewable energy becomes increasingly critical. The EN 50600-4-3:2016 standard not only promotes operational efficiencies but also aligns with broader environmental goals, positioning data centres as leaders in sustainability within the technology sector. The clarity and rigor provided by this standard make it an invaluable resource for data centre stakeholders looking to improve their renewable energy practices.
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