IGBC Green Data Center
Data centers have assumed tremendous importance in the last decade as India continues to embrace rapid digitalisation. The growing adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital services, e-commerce and emerging technologies is driving significant demand for data center infrastructure. This growth presents an immense opportunity for the country and highlights the need to develop and operate data centers in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner.
Green concepts and technologies in data centers can help address critical national priorities such as energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, water efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions, efficient use of resources and sustainable waste management. Considering the energy-intensive nature of data center operations, improving infrastructure efficiency and operational performance can contribute significantly towards reducing environmental impacts while maintaining reliability and resilience.
Considering these developments, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has developed the IGBC Green Data Center Rating System to address the sustainability requirements of this rapidly evolving sector. The rating programme provides a framework to facilitate the design, construction and operation of data centers with enhanced resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact. It enables data center stakeholders to adopt measurable green strategies.
The development of the IGBC Green Data Center Rating System brings together the knowledge and experience of key stakeholders from the data center ecosystem, including data center owners and operators, developers, architects, consultants, technology providers, manufacturers, facility managers and industry representatives. Their diverse expertise has contributed to developing a rating framework that responds to the evolving requirements of India's data center industry while supporting the country's broader sustainability and digitalisation goals.
Benefits
Green Data Centers can offer significant measurable benefits by improving resource efficiency and operational performance throughout their lifecycle. The measurable benefits include reduced energy and water consumption, improved Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), increased adoption of renewable energy, lower carbon emissions and reduced operational costs. These measures can also enhance the reliability and efficiency of critical data center infrastructure.
The wider benefits include improved operational resilience, enhanced environmental performance, better conservation of natural resources, increased adoption of sustainable practices and contribution towards India’s sustainability and digitalisation goals. Overall, green data centers can support sustainable growth while maintaining reliability, availability and performance essential to mission-critical facilities.
Overview
IGBC Green Data Center Rating System addresses green features and sustainable practices under the following categories:
- Site Selection and Planning
- Energy Efficiency
- Operation Stability Framework
- Water Conservation
- Building Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovation
The guidelines detailed under each mandatory requirement and credit enable the design, construction and operation of data centers with enhanced resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Different levels of green data center certification are awarded based on the total credits achieved. However, every green data center is required to comply with certain mandatory requirements, which are non-negotiable.
Scope
IGBC Green Data Center Rating System is designed to address data centers at different stages of their lifecycle, from design and construction to operational performance. The certification pathway is based on the project’s stage of development and period of operation:
- Data Centers under Design/Construction Stage shall apply for IGBC Green Data Center - Design Certification.
- Commissioned Data Centers with less than one year of operation shall follow IGBC Green Data Center - Design & Build Certification.
- Data Centers with more than one year of operation shall apply for IGBC Green Data Center - Operational Certification.
The rating system is applicable to different types and scales of data center facilities, including enterprise, colocation, hyperscale, edge and captive data centers, as well as data center campuses.
The project team can evaluate the applicable requirements and credits based on the relevant certification pathway. The project can apply for IGBC Green Data Center Rating System certification by meeting all applicable mandatory requirements and achieving the minimum required points for the desired level of certification. IGBC offers a Data Center Accreditation Professional (DCAP) Training program, designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of Data Center infrastructure, sustainability, energy efficiency, policies and the green data center practices.
Certification Levels
The threshold criteria for certification levels are as under:
| Certification Level | New Data Center | Existing Data Center | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified | 40 - 49 | 40 - 49 | Good Practices |
| Silver | 50 - 64 | 50 - 64 | Best Practice |
| Gold | 65 - 79 | 65 - 79 | National Excellence |
| Platinum | >=80 | >=80 | Global Leadership |
Green Data Center achieving one of the rating levels will be recognise with a formal letter of certification and a mountable plaque.
Fee Structure:*
Registration Fee
| Category | Incl. of GST 18% |
| IGBC Member | 29,500 |
| Non-Member | 35,400 |
Pre Certification Fee:
| Category | Certification Fee in Rs | ||
| IT Load < 5 MW | IT Load >5 MW & <10 MW | IT Load >10 MW | |
| IGBC Founding Member | 2,00,000 | 2,50,000 | 3,00,000 |
| IGBC Annual Member | 2,25,000 | 2,75,000 | 3,25,000 |
| Non-Member | 2,50,000 | 3,00,000 | 3,50,000 |
Certification Fee:
| Category | Certification Fee in Rs | ||
| IT Load < 5 MW | IT Load >5 MW & <10 MW | IT Load >10 MW | |
| IGBC Founding Member | 5,50,000 | 6,50,000 | 7,00,000 |
| IGBC Annual Member | 5,90,000 | 6,90,000 | 7,90,000 |
| Non-Member | 6,30,000 | 7,30,000 | 8,30,000 |
- Service tax is applicable, as per the prevailing government regulations
- Registration, Pre-certification and Certification fees are non-refundable
- Membership discounts can be availed only if the Project Owner or Developer is a member of IGBC
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