Key data and indicators for the assessment of the efficiency of resource use in data centres and for testing the practical feasibility

The goal was the development of a far-sighted and practical indicator system for the comprehensive assessment of resource efficiency and environmental impact of data centers, and its dissemination in research and practice. The main tasks within the project were: - Compilation of the existing parameters, indicators and methods, and assessment of their pros and cons; - Development of an indicator system allowing for the holistic assessment of efficiency in the use of resources and environmental impact of a data center. Besides energy consumption resulting from actual utilization, aspects of IT services, production and disposal should also be taken into account; - Evaluation of the indicator system's practicality and the accuracy of the statements made by means of some examples; - Feeding back of the project's results into national and international discussions on harmonization and into standardization activities. Further development of the Blue Angel for data centers.