New Data Center Guidance Based on 'Collective Expertise'
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. — ASHRAE has released a comprehensive AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
The Framework is hosted on ASHRAE’s website and provides practical, expert guidance for next-generation data center design and operation, an ASHRAE press release said.
As demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing continues to grow, data centers are placing increasing demands on both facility systems and energy infrastructure. According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. has more than 3,000 operational data centers, with significant growth expected in the coming years. An additional 1,500 data centers are in various stages of development.
The new Framework delivers practical, consensus-based guidance to help owners, operators, and engineers optimize performance, control operating costs, and sustain resilient, high uptime operations through effective thermal management.
The Framework delivers strategies for both new and existing facilities, addressing the full lifecycle of data centers, from planning and design, to commissioning, retrofit and ongoing operation. It addresses key considerations, including thermal management, integrated system performance, energy and water use, and facility reliability, with recommendations tailored to varying climates, load densities, and operating conditions.
ASHRAE led the development of the guidance related to HVAC systems, thermal management and overall facility performance, building on its established body of work, including resources developed through Technical Committee 9.9 (Mission Critical Facilities, Data Centers, Technology Spaces & Electronic Equipment) and the project committees overseeing Standard 90.4, Energy Standard for Data Centers and Standard 127, Method of Testing for Rating Air-Conditioning Units Serving Data Center (DC) and Other Information Technology Equipment. NEMA contributed expertise in electrical systems, equipment, and safety, while PNNL provided coordination of the working group.
“ASHRAE’s technical leadership in building systems and data center guidance is central to this effort at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said ASHRAE President Bill McQuade. “As AI continues to drive rapid changes in load density, system design, and operational expectations, this Framework brings together the collective expertise of ASHRAE, PNNL, and NEMA to deliver practical, integrated solutions. It translates complex technical challenges into clear, actionable strategies that help operators enhance performance, control costs, and make more effective use of energy, while strengthening reliability at both the facility and grid level.”
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To further support industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, ASHRAE will host the 2027 Data Center and AI Integration Conference, from Monday, March 3, through Wednesday, March 5, 2027, in Dallas, Texas. The conference will bring together global experts to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure performance and system integration.
For additional guidance, including access to the ASHRAE TC 9.9 Datacom Encyclopedia, visit the ASHRAE Data Center Resource Page.
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