The world’s demand for cloud services is growing exponentially. Yet sustainability and transparency are still lacking.
Our reliance on cloud services is growing rapidly — and the pace shows no signs of slowing. However, this digital infrastructure comes at a cost: it consumes large amounts of energy, water, and natural resources, while sustainability risks persist across global supply chains.
Although many want to make more sustainable choices, buyers and users lack the tools needed to do so. Data centers are often geographically distant, with limited visibility into where they are located and how they are managed. Sustainability data is difficult to access and often self-declared — leaving decisions to be based on unverified claims. The risk of greenwashing is high.
That’s what we’re here to change, together with you.
TCO Certified Cloud — a tool for more sustainable IaaS cloud resources
TCO Certified Cloud is being developed as the world’s first global sustainability certification for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud resources — the foundation of the cloud ecosystem, where the potential for impact is greatest.
The certification takes a comprehensive approach, covering all key aspects of cloud services, from data centers and hardware to business operations and global supply chains. The certification also includes verified sustainability data linked to each resource provider, aligned to international standards.
Why TCO Certified Cloud matters to you
In June 2026, when the final criteria are published, purchasers can use TCO Certified Cloud in procurement to identify and source cloud services with a reduced environmental footprint and a more responsible supply chain.
For cloud service providers, TCO Certified Cloud will offer a structured framework to identify risks, prioritize actions, and implement improvements over time. It enables you to demonstrate leadership in sustainability, meet increasing customer expectations, and get a business advantage in a rapidly evolving market.
Four key areas create a holistic approach to sustainability.
The draft of TCO Certified Cloud targets the most critical challenges — reducing climate impact, managing hazardous substances, promoting circular practices, and strengthening supply chain responsibility. Together, these areas form a framework for measurable, long-term and holistic sustainability improvements in the cloud industry.
Find the full draft criteria document here.
The issue
A significant climate impact — and it’s about to double
Cloud services rely on energy-intensive data centers, which are largely powered by fossil fuels. As global demand for cloud storage and services grows, so does the sector’s carbon footprint, making it a rapidly increasing contributor to climate change.
Our approach
More energy-efficient data centers and renewable energy
TCO Certified Cloud helps reduce the climate impact of cloud services by driving energy efficiency, renewable power use, optimized hardware performance, and access to credible energy and emissions data.
The issue
Toxic substances put the environment and human health at risk
Chemicals used for cooling and fire suppression in data centers can harm human health and the environment. Some may be carcinogenic or hormone-disrupting, while others can contribute to climate change or cause long-term environmental damage.
Our approach
Transparency on which cooling and fire extinction chemicals are used
TCO Certified Cloud requires transparency in the substances used for cooling and fire extinction. By identifying what’s in use today, we enable safer substitutions and a future shift toward healthier, more sustainable practices.
The issue
Lack of circular practices leads to resource loss and e-waste
Data centers often follow a linear model where IT hardware is manufactured, used for a limited time, and then discarded. This lack of circular practices drives resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions and e-waste, which can release harmful toxins if not managed responsibly.
Our approach
Cloud resources built on circular management principles
With TCO Certified Cloud, IT hardware must be managed according to circular principles. Repairs and upgrades are encouraged, and products must be handled responsibly at end-of-life.
The issue
Environmental issues in the supply chain
The data center is a part of the supply chain of certified cloud resources. Significant sustainability challenges include environmental impact such as excessive energy use, and high water consumption
Our approach
Improved transparency and structure
TCO Certified Cloud requires data centers to implement a structured environmental management system and ensure transparency in water management practices.
Let’s shape a more sustainable cloud industry together!
Be part of developing the world’s first global sustainability certification for IaaS cloud services. Join a community of purchasers, providers, independent verifiers and sustainability professionals, working to drive real change.
By signing up, you’ll receive updates and insights, invitations to discussions, and direct communication from our cloud project manager, Barton Finn.
Got questions? I’m here to help!
Buyers and users of cloud services
Get in touch to learn about TCO Certified Cloud and how to drive demand for certified services while reducing your environmental and social footprint.
Cloud service providers
Let’s discuss how TCO Certified Cloud can help you meet your customers’ sustainability expectations in a structured and credible way.
