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 the world’s first global sustainability certification for cloud resources. It focuses on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) — the foundation of the cloud ecosystem, where the potential for impact is greatest.
The certification covers all key aspects of cloud services, from data centers and hardware to business operations and global supply chains. It also includes verified sustainability data linked to each resource provider, aligned to international standards.
Compliance with all criteria is independently verified to ensure real, lasting progress. Verification takes place both before and after certification, throughout the full validity period of each certificate.
Four key areas create a holistic approach to sustainability.
TCO Certified Cloud covers four key areas: climate, substances, circularity and supply chain. Together, these areas form a framework for measurable, long-term sustainability improvements in the cloud industry.
Data center facilities used for providing certified cloud resources must not exceed a monthly PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) value of 1.4.
IT hardware (servers, data storage, network equipment) used to deliver certified cloud resources must meet the energy-efficiency standards of the EU Eco-Design Directive 2019/424 or Energy Star®.
Electricity used for certified cloud resources must be sourced from at least 30% renewable energy or 60% fossil-free energy.
Customers must have access to monthly climate footprint reports for the certified cloud resource. Historical reports must remain available for at least 24 months.
A complete inventory of refrigerants and fire suppressants used in data centers must be maintained, including CAS numbers and annual quantities used.
IT hardware (servers, data storage, network equipment) used to deliver certified cloud resources must be used for at least five years before it is taken out of operation.
Decommissioned servers, data storage and network equipment must be tracked and handled through processes that prioritize repair, refurbishment and responsible recycling.
Data center facilities used to provide the certified cloud resource must have an environmental management system in place that is independently certified to ISO 14001.
Data center facilities must calculate and report Water Usage Effectiveness, freshwater use, and potable (drinking-quality) water use, in accordance with ISO/IEC 30134-9.
Data center facilities used to provide certified cloud resources must be listed in the certified cloud resources registry at tcocertifiedcloud.com, with country and city specified.
Access the criteria document
The document presents the full set of criteria in TCO Certified Cloud and the proof needed to demonstrate compliance. Download it to support your procurement strategy, supplier dialogues, and internal requirements.
Your procurement decisions matter
TCO Certified Cloud only creates impact when it is used. Include it in dialogues and procurement documents to increase supplier awareness and drive demand for more sustainable cloud services.
Raise the topic early. Use RFIs, meetings, and ongoing supplier dialogues to discuss sustainability expectations and give providers time to prepare for certification.
Include TCO Certified Cloud in procurement documents. If certified resources are not yet available, allow a transition period, or use voluntary or award criteria.
Talk about TCO Certified Cloud in your professional networks. Sharing knowledge helps build awareness. Together, you can send a strong signal to the market that sustainability matters.
Let’s shape a more sustainable cloud industry together!
Join a growing community of stakeholders working to drive a more responsible cloud industry. Gain insights into the sustainability challenges associated with the cloud industry and the progress of TCO Certified Cloud.
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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.
