The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting input from data center operators nationwide on the creation of an Energy Star rating for data center infrastructure. When completed, data center operators will be able to use the rating to judge the financial and environmental benefits of improved energy efficiency in their facilities.

EPA needs to collect data on energy use and operating characteristics from a large number of data centers, including stand-alone facilities as well as data centers located in offices and other types of buildings, to build the rating. Forms and instructions for submitting data are available at www.energystar.gov.

EPA will hold regular Webinars to assist participants throughout the data collection process, and to present preliminary findings. Updated schedules will be provided on the Web site above.