Green Data Centre Standard

Data centres (DCs) are extremely energy-intensive facilities, with electricity accounting for more than 50% of the operating expenditure in a typical DC in Singapore. To help reduce the energy consumption and operating costs of DCs and enhance their competitiveness, in line with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) regulations, the IMDA of Singapore has partnered with other government agencies and industries to develop a Singapore Standard for Green DCs. A Green DC Standards Working Group under the industry-led Information Technology Standards Committee (www.itsc.org.sg) was formed to drive the development of the standard.

The Green DC Standard helps organisations establish systems and processes necessary to improve the energy efficiency of their DCs. It provides them with a recognised framework as well as a logical and consistent methodology to achieve continuous improvement in their DC facilities. This standard is modelled after the ISO 50001 standard on energy management but is specifically tailored to meet the needs of DCs in Singapore. The standard adopts the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology, an iterative, four step problem-solving process used for continuous process improvement. The PDCA cycle forms the basis for many established management standards, which have successfully stimulated substantial, continual efficiency improvements within organisations around the world.

In addition, the Green DC Standard defines a set of performance metrics for DCs to measure their energy efficiency. These metrics provide a common benchmark to help DCs track their performance and improvements. Lastly, a comprehensive set of recommended industry best practices covering various aspects of DC operations and design has been included. The best practices cover aspects governing the management of electrical, mechanical and IT equipment, as well as the design of DCs. They are provided as supplemental and reference information in the standard to help DC operators identify and implement measures to improve their energy efficiency.

The Singapore Standard SS 564 Green Data Centres - Energy and environmental management systems was first published in January 2011. It was subsequently revised as SS 564: Part 1 in 2013. The revision was carried out to align the requirements of SS 564 to the published international standard ISO 50001 for Energy Management. Relevant feedback and comments from the users, and additional metrics to track data centre performance were also incorporated into the revision. In addition, a new SS 564: Part 2, which provides guidelines to help users adopt and meet the requirements in SS 564: Part 1 was published the same year.

SS 564 series of standards are available for purchase from the Singapore Standards eShop.