Summary - L.1308 (12/2025) - Guidelines for the implementation of low-carbon data centres to climate change mitigation and adaptation

Low-carbon data centres can effectively reduce energy consumption, reduce dependence on fossil energy, promote sustainable energy use, and reduce carbon emissions, which contribute to the global response to climate change, and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Low-carbon data centres can reduce operating costs, enhance the competitiveness of enterprises, and promote the data centre industry to be green and efficient.
Recommendation ITU-T L.1308 identifies the guidelines for the implementation of low-carbon data centres throughout their whole life cycle for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including:
1)Site selection stage: choose a suitable construction site, including the abundance of renewable resources, the suitability of the natural environment, sufficient natural energy sources, and accessibility to transport;
2)Design stage: including guidelines on architecture and environment, clean energy supply, cooling, power equipment, information technology (IT) equipment and water sources;
3)Procurement stage: including guidelines on building materials and electrical and mechanical equipment;
4)Construction stage: including guidelines on the on-site environment, construction vehicles and equipment, etc.;
5)Operational stage: including guidelines on renewable energy usage, monitoring and intelligent management system;
6)Decommissioning and recycling stage: including guidelines on demolition and recycling.