Data centres support essential applications in businesses, public administration and critical infrastructure. Certifications and assessments help evaluate defined technical and operational requirements against evidence. This article was updated on 8 September 2026.
In hardly any other economic area is growth developing as rapidly as in digitalization. Because modern and fast data storage and processing now runs through all parts of private and commercial life. The existing structures are now reaching their limits. That's why a data center expansion is essential due to the ever-increasing demand. This increase is expected to continue in the future, despite the fact that the number of workloads that data centers can provide has already increased fivefold since 2010. Of course, this also results in increased energy requirements. However, this must be reduced in Germany in the future due to the EnEfG. However, the safety and resilience of the systems must be guaranteed at all times. The operators also want to operate their data center economically. But this results in an increased energy requirement.
Ambitious tasks in a networked world
Reconciling all factors in the near future is an ambitious task for data center operators. Because without high-performance and sustainably operated data centers it won't work. They are essential for many different areas of a modern and connected world. They form the basis for emergency admission, operation planning or medication distribution in the hospital. Data centers are just as important for energy supply or municipal services. Production parts for the automotive industry as well as flight, traffic or traffic light control in large cities are also not possible without data centers. Digitalization is essential in the private sector, whether for streaming services, social media or chat and email exchange. In almost every area of life, people are dependent on data centers due to today's networking.
Meet international standards
Trouble-free, safe and sustainable operation can be documented through various certification options. The most important criteria for certifications in accordance with international standards include, among other things, the physical security of the data centers under normal and exceptional conditions, the clear authentication of users and employees - for example through biometric access control or the monitoring and efficient control of the indoor climate through a ventilation system. Furthermore, the redundancy of critical infrastructure such as connection to the network and energy supply or the regulated and uniform flow of processes and work steps are important factors. A data center should also be effectively protected against accidents and disruptions caused by fires or natural disasters such as floods or storms. Furthermore, information security and data protection are important factors. Sustainable operation, for example through an ecological power supply or the efficient use of waste heat, are other important standards.
The European billing center standard
Until 2019, these requirements were tested in different standards. The European Union has simplified this with the general standard DIN EN 50600. The certification “Information technology – data center facilities and infrastructures” – also known as the European data center standard – covers several aspects. This standard is the first cross-border European standard that defines a uniform and secure operation of data centers and includes all steps from planning, construction and execution to ongoing operation. This includes, among other things, theoretical planning and basic architecture for new buildings as well as the construction of the system. This also includes an appropriate and fail-safe energy supply as well as efficient and sufficient air conditioning in the server rooms. The standard also documents the redundant connection of the data center to the network, which is designed for peak loads, the professional management and control of work processes as well as the physical security of the data centers to protect the data. Another important factor is sufficient prevention against accidents such as fires and natural disasters.
A variety of certification options
Alongside DIN EN 50600 and ISO/IEC 22237, other assessment frameworks may be relevant depending on the objectives, including information security, management systems and operational processes. High Knowledge supports the selection, preparation and execution of the agreed assessment procedure. Responsibilities and any required involvement of external certification bodies are specified in the engagement. SOC 2 is a separate reporting and assurance procedure; it is not equivalent to data centre certification.
Sustainability in focus
Environmental objectives require defined criteria and robust evidence. For the Blue Angel ecolabel, the applicable award criteria and prescribed award procedure are authoritative. Sustainable Data Center (SDC) is High Knowledge's own certification scheme. It comprises a catalogue of criteria, a defined audit procedure and a documented assessment. The conclusions supported by an assessment depend on its scope and the evidence reviewed.
Certifications and suitable solutions
An assessment can identify areas for action and support measures planning. Technical changes are considered together with load profiles, energy demand, availability and operating conditions. Blue DC solutions offer modular approaches with project-specific cooling and waste heat recovery. Energy and emissions outcomes are determined against the specific design and operating scenario.
Conclusion
A data centre assessment provides transparency when its framework, scope and findings are clearly documented. High Knowledge combines planning experience with audit practice. Assessing a facility replaces neither ongoing operational responsibility nor a separate examination of all applicable statutory obligations.
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