Sustainable Design Certifications

Datacenters are the foundation of our digital lives. They also create opportunities to demonstrate what’s possible when sustainability is treated as a design principle, not an afterthought. Teams around the world at Microsoft are tackling the energy and resource challenges of cloud computing head-on. In Europe alone, we’re implementing a variety of solutions: 🌱 Boosting biodiversity: Datacenters in the Netherlands are being designed with biomimicry principles, planting 150 native trees and 2,300 square meters of vegetation to restore habitats, improve water management, and reduce environmental impact. 💧 Saving water: We’re building datacenters in Spain with closed-loop cooling systems that fill once during construction and then continuously recirculate water between servers and chillers, eliminating the need for additional water and dramatically reducing consumption. 🔁 Cutting carbon: A new datacenter in Wales is being built using materials from a shuttered radiator factory, avoiding hundreds of tons of CO₂ emissions through smart reuse. ⚡ Stabilizing the grid: Across the Nordics, battery-backed systems help maintain steady grid frequency, making renewable energy easier to integrate and supporting a more resilient power supply. 🔥 Heating homes and businesses: Recovered heat from datacenters in Finland will help warm up to 250,000 homes and businesses through a municipal heating system. Denmark is setting up a similar system to extend the benefits of sustainable heating to more communities. Every day I am blown away by the creativity and ingenuity of these teams and our local partners. Check out these prime examples of this work. Read the latest story from Source to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gUtARfJ3 

The BCA-IMDA Green Mark for Data Centres has been updated with tighter criteria. Come March 2025, it will replace the existing version. I attended a briefing of the new Green Mark for Data Centres (GMDC) held at BCA's Braddell Campus on Friday, organised by SGTech. In the packed auditorium were officials from BCA and IMDA, as well as executives and professionals from the data centre industry. I’ll put together a detailed write-up next week. For now, here’s an initial roundup: 𝟭/ 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀 What is the Green Mark for Data Centres (GMDC)? It was created to recognise data centre operators that implement best practices and demonstrate superior environmental performance. The standard has been updated over the years: - GMDC 2011 (“Version 1”). - GMDC 2019. - GMDC 2024 (“Beta”). GMDC is voluntary though I understand some customers make it a requirement. There are currently 54 GMDC certified data centres. 𝟮/ 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗠𝗗𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 GMDC 2024 has been overhauled to emphasis new areas such as resilience and adopt a more streamlined approach to certification. However, the key focus continues to be energy efficiency. This is where things get tougher. GMDC 2024 imposes tighter requirements on PUE measurements: Power consumption must now be captured after the PDU, instead of after the UPS (previously). 🔸It is now a prerequisite to measure PUE at 25% IT load, more closely matching real-world conditions. 🔸Another new requirement to display energy metering and show real-time PUE. I really liked these changes, as some data centres might calculate some implausible PUE on launch day and market it forever. Now, customers can just ask for the “current” PUE. 𝟯/ 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 As alluded to by the Green Data Centre Roadmap released in May, Water Usage Efficiency (WUE) is now taken into consideration. Instead of treating existing data centres differently from new data centres, both will now be now appraised under a single GMDC 2024 criteria. Recertification is also “simplified”. This will be a simple checklist under GMDC 2024. As of yesterday, data centres operators looking to certify under GMDC can choose between the 2019 standard or the newer GMDC 2024 standard. After 1st March, GMDC 2024 will be in force. I’ll share more in the week ahead. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. 📆 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 Don't be limited by what the LinkedIn algorithm shows you. Get my free newsletter, just once a week: www.techstories.co/updates My name is @Paul Mah and I explore tech developments with bite-sized reports in #EverydayTechStories 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁: Paul Mah

What if data centers didn’t just consume power but gave it back to the community... In #WestLondon, that future is being built. The #UK just approved its first large-scale data center waste heat network, led by Hemiko and backed by OPDC. The idea is simple but revolutionary: 1. Capture the excess heat from data centers 2. Pipe it into a district heating system 3. Use it to warm 9,000+ homes, schools & businesses Here’s what makes it a game-changer: • 95GWh of recovered heat • £600M in investment • 90% drop in fossil fuel heating • Powered by VIRTUS Data Centres, Ark Data Centres, Vantage Data Centers, Microsoft data centers This isn’t just a sustainability win. It’s a data center transformation story. From power-hungry black boxes. To circular infrastructure powering smart cities. Cities like #Stockholm and #Helsinki already do this. Now #London joins them, with data centers at the core. And here’s the big idea: Data centers are no longer just digital infrastructure. They’re urban infrastructure. Waste is the new resource. And smart reuse is how we build the future. #datacenters #sustainability #infrastructure

Breaking: The EU carbon removals certification framework is provisionally agreed by the European Council and the European Parliament A provisional political agreement was agreed by the two bodies overnight to establish the first EU-level certification framework for carbon removals. The voluntary framework is intended to facilitate and speed up the deployment of high-quality carbon removal and soil emission reduction activities in the EU. Unlike previous drafts, this agreement maintains an open definition of carbon removals, in line with that used by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Why does this matter? -The CRCF is an expansive & ambitious policy intervention by a public body, and is likely to set the standards for carbon removal globally -The CRCF can drive demand signals and buying behavior amongst voluntary carbon market participants as it will guide what removals will be compliant /meet criterion. -CDR policies across the EU will be linked to the CRCF for the QUALITY (Quantification, Additionality, Long-term Storage, Sustainability) assurance of carbon removals -The CRCF will influence and guide national policy as the EU member states set national policy to reach the EU Net-Zero goal by 2040 More here: https://lnkd.in/d9KF3UHw

Greenwashing Risk Indicators 🌍 Greenwashing is becoming one of the biggest threats to credible sustainability efforts. As public pressure and regulatory scrutiny increase, more companies are under the spotlight for misleading claims that exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental or social impact. That is why it is essential to understand how to identify potential red flags in sustainability communications and reporting. I developed this checklist to help leaders, practitioners, and teams assess the credibility of sustainability claims and avoid reputational and legal risks. It outlines nine common indicators that often signal the presence of greenwashing. Each one includes clear examples to make detection easier. The first red flag is vague or unsupported claims. This includes using broad terms like green or eco-friendly without definitions, or making claims with no data or measurable results. The second red flag is the lack of independent verification. When there are no third-party audits, certifications, or recognized frameworks involved, credibility is severely weakened. The third is a focus on minor activities. Highlighting small actions that have little relevance to core operations can create a false impression of broader progress. The fourth is the omission of trade-offs. Making only positive claims without acknowledging limitations, risks, or unintended consequences is a common tactic. The fifth red flag involves misleading visuals. Using green tones, nature imagery, or sustainability icons without real substance behind them can mislead stakeholders. The sixth is the absence of performance data. Without KPIs, targets, or transparent reporting, it is impossible to evaluate real impact. The remaining three indicators relate to future commitments that are not actionable, a lack of alignment with internal practices, and poor value chain transparency. Greenwashing is not always intentional. But regardless of intention, its consequences are real. This checklist is a tool to support more honest, credible, and effective sustainability communication. Let’s use it to raise the bar. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg

🌍 ISO 14068: The New Standard for Carbon Neutrality 📢 A Milestone in Climate Change Management As organizations worldwide move toward net-zero goals, ISO has launched a game-changing standard: ISO 14068-1:2023 – Climate change management — Carbon neutrality. ✅ What is ISO 14068? ISO 14068 defines principles, requirements, and guidance for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality — reducing GHG emissions and offsetting residual emissions in a credible and transparent way. 🔍 Key Features of ISO 14068: Aligned with the ISO 14060 family of GHG standards (including ISO 14064) Recognizes the GHG hierarchy: Avoid > Reduce > Substitute > Offset Applies to organizations, products, services, and events Incorporates guidance on GHG inventories, removals, and offset quality Requires transparency, traceability, and third-party verification 💡 Why ISO 14068 Matters: Responds to the growing greenwashing concerns Builds trust among stakeholders with standardized claims Supports climate-related disclosures under ESG/CSRD/BRSR frameworks Aligns with net-zero pathways and the Paris Agreement 📈 Who Should Use It? ✔ Companies working on decarbonization roadmaps ✔ ESG & sustainability consultants ✔ Carbon market players & offset providers ✔ Product lifecycle & environmental certifiers ✔ Investors seeking verifiable climate claims 🔗 Final Thought: ISO 14068 gives organizations a reliable path to carbon neutrality — not just claims, but credible, measurable, and verified action. As climate action becomes central to business resilience and reputation, this standard is not just a compliance tool — it’s a strategic differentiator. #ISO14068 #CarbonNeutrality #ClimateChange #SustainabilityStandards #NetZero #GHGAccounting #ISO14064 #ESGReporting #CarbonOffsets #GreenTransition

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝟲.𝟰 – 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝟲.𝟰, shaping how emission reductions are measured and credited. To bring more clarity and consistency, the 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗖𝗖𝗖 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. 𝟭️ 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 The three primary approaches: • 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝗕𝗔𝗧) 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 Baselines are set using feasible and sustainable technologies, aligned with industry advancements, and designed to phase out outdated, high-emission practices through progressive targets. • 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 Baselines are set using the best-performing activities as a reference, driving sector-wide improvements and creating a framework to identify low-carbon leaders. • 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 Baseline emissions are adjusted to reflect decarbonization trends, ensuring accuracy, environmental integrity, and alignment with sector-specific developments. 𝟮️ 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 All methodologies must ensure transparent baseline calculations, using clear emission intensity metrics like 𝘁𝗖𝗢𝟮-𝗲𝗾 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝟯️ 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 Ensures baselines align with emission reduction goals through progressive downward adjustments, preventing business-as-usual crediting and ensuring real, measurable emission reductions 𝟰️ 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝗮𝘀-𝗨𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 (𝗕𝗔𝗨) BAU scenarios estimate emissions without mitigation, using a conservative approach to historical data, legal frameworks, and socio-economic conditions to prevent over-crediting naturally occurring reductions 𝟱️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 Baseline-setting approaches are compared to ensure the most conservative yet feasible option is selected, maintaining market credibility 𝟲️ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 Baselines must align with the host country’s NDCs and LT-LEDS, comply with Paris Agreement temperature goals, and include MRV requirements #𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝟲 #𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 #𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 #𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗖𝗖𝗖

Inside the first wave of CSRD assurance: insights from 600+ reports Together with Constantin Przybilla, we analyzed the first generation of #CSRD sustainability assurance reports across Europe. Our analysis reveals the following assurance and reporting quality insights: 🔹 Big 4 and limited assurance dominate. 90% of engagements were conducted by Big 4 firms, and 95% provided only limited assurance. 🔹 Qualified conclusions are rare (1%). However, most reports include Other Matter, Inherent Limitation, or Emphasis of Matter paragraphs to indicate uncertainty and provide context. 🔹 Reporting quality remains uneven. Estimation uncertainty, incomplete value-chain data, and varying interpretations of ESRS concepts still limit comparability. 🔹 National assurance practices differ. Several countries show distinct assurance report patterns. France stands out as a potential role model through its structured three-part assurance report (on the DMA, reported ESRS information, and EU Taxonomy). 🔹 There is room for improvement. Greater clarity and context in assurance reports could help readers better understand boundaries, assumptions, and data reliability, e.g., through Key Audit Matter–type sections similar to financial audits. We welcome any kind of feedback - please feel free to reach out! Special thanks to Nikolaus Krenzel and Alexander Glöckner for their support of our Sustainability Reporting Navigator, which made this analysis possible. cc: Dietmar Prümm Sebastian Dingel Dr. Jan-Hendrik Gnändiger Dr. Jens Freiberg Jens Berger Dr. Marcus Borchert Christian Janze Nicolette Behncke Nicole Richter TRR 266 Accounting for Transparency.

This article discusses the key scoring criteria for assessing #carbon #credits from #microalgae-based #wastewater #treatment projects. It covers additionality, quantification, and permanence, highlighting their roles in ensuring genuine emissions reductions and long-term carbon storage, and cost-effective carbon dioxide removal(#CDR). The article also emphasizes co-benefits such as improved water quality and job creation, the need for compliance with standards, and the importance of techno-economic analysis (#TEA), Life Cycle Assessment (#LCA), and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification(#MRV) for financial and environmental sustainability. Discover how microalgae can play a vital role in #climate change mitigation and the evolving standards shaping future carbon credit markets. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d4SjB5Gm