Europe: Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact announces launch of audit framework
Dec 14, 2022 | Posted by MadalineDunn
The Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, made up of 80 data center companies and 22 associations, has announced the launch of an audit tool companies can use to verify the environmental claims they make. The Audit Framework, checked against the EU's Taxonomy regulation, will reportedly ensure that those within the industry making real strides toward the 2030 climate neutrality goal will be set apart from those that are greenwashing. Speaking about this, the Pact said: "It will no longer be possible to simply claim adherence and Pact signatories will stand out for their verifiable sustainability credentials."
Usage of the framework, developed with French certification company Bureau Veritas, will be required from Pact signatories from 2023 onwards.
Speaking about this new tool, Michael Winterson, chair of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), said: "Today sees the culmination of a detailed project to create a solid foundation to underpin our signatories' commitments. With less than two years until compliance with some of our targets is required, the framework marks an important acceleration in our journey as we place formal, independent verification of our environmental sustainability at the heart of the Pact."
Meanwhile, Francisco Mingorance, secretary general of CISPE and Pact Board Member, commented: "The implementation of the CNDCP Audit Framework marks an end to accusations of greenwashing across the industry." Mingorance said that through using this tool, signatories will be able to demonstrate and prove the steps they are taking to comply with "the far-reaching commitments set out in the Pact's Self-Regulator Initiative." Mingorance added: "We do not know of any other industries that have taken such definitive steps to back up sustainability claims."
Matt Pullen, managing director of Europe at CyrusOne, said that the framework marks a "significant step" for the sector. Adding: "We will be moving swiftly to achieve certification and to act as a role model for other operators and other businesses by proving we do what we say we'll do to protect the planet."
Usage of the framework, developed with French certification company Bureau Veritas, will be required from Pact signatories from 2023 onwards.
Speaking about this new tool, Michael Winterson, chair of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), said: "Today sees the culmination of a detailed project to create a solid foundation to underpin our signatories' commitments. With less than two years until compliance with some of our targets is required, the framework marks an important acceleration in our journey as we place formal, independent verification of our environmental sustainability at the heart of the Pact."
Meanwhile, Francisco Mingorance, secretary general of CISPE and Pact Board Member, commented: "The implementation of the CNDCP Audit Framework marks an end to accusations of greenwashing across the industry." Mingorance said that through using this tool, signatories will be able to demonstrate and prove the steps they are taking to comply with "the far-reaching commitments set out in the Pact's Self-Regulator Initiative." Mingorance added: "We do not know of any other industries that have taken such definitive steps to back up sustainability claims."
Matt Pullen, managing director of Europe at CyrusOne, said that the framework marks a "significant step" for the sector. Adding: "We will be moving swiftly to achieve certification and to act as a role model for other operators and other businesses by proving we do what we say we'll do to protect the planet."