- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The Global Electronics Council Addresses Sustainability Impacts of Data Centers, Issues Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1285036?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1285036?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1285036?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=The Global Electronics Council Addresses Sustainability Impacts of Data Centers, Issues Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage&body=ESG News from Global Electronics Council https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1285036?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Innovation & Technology](/CSR-News/innovation-technology-0) # The Global Electronics Council Addresses Sustainability Impacts of Data Centers, Issues Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage Apr 2, 2025 10:15 AM ET ![Global Electronics Council Logo with Tagline "Sustainability for a Connected Future" on the left, EPEAT Logo on the right](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/Side%20by%20Side.png "Global Electronics Council Logo & EPEAT Logo") ![Enterprise Data Storage EPEAT Product Category Proposal Final Draft Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/Data-Storage-FINAL-PCP_SOSR_2APR2025_Page_01.png "Enterprise Data Storage EPEAT Product Category Proposal Cover") ![Global Electronics Council Logo with Tagline "Sustainability for a Connected Future" on the left, EPEAT Logo on the right](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/Side%20by%20Side.png?h=3d60989f "Global Electronics Council Logo & EPEAT Logo") ![Enterprise Data Storage EPEAT Product Category Proposal Final Draft Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/Data-Storage-FINAL-PCP_SOSR_2APR2025_Page_01.png?h=eb943e90 "Enterprise Data Storage EPEAT Product Category Proposal Cover") [Originally published on GEC's New Feed](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/news/the-global-electronics-council-addressing-sustainability-impacts-of-data-centers-issues-final-product-category-proposal-for-enterprise-data-storage/?utm_campaign=final-product-category-proposal-enterprise-data-storage-2025&utm_medium=article&utm_source=3blmedia&utm_content=text-link) Today the Global Electronics Council (GEC) released its [Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/Data-Storage-FINAL-PCP_SOSR_2APR2025.pdf?utm_campaign=final-product-category-proposal-enterprise-data-storage-2025&utm_medium=article&utm_source=3blmedia&utm_content=text-link) products, which initiates coverage of this category under the EPEAT ecolabel, and development of the EPEAT “data center stack” to enable more sustainable data centers. The final proposal reflects stakeholder comments and data-supported recommendations submitted during the public consultation process. This document outlines the rationale for adding enterprise data storage to the EPEAT portfolio, including market analysis, summary of sustainability impacts and strategies to reduce impacts, and stakeholder interest. It also provides an overview of product composition and makes recommendations on the scope and approach for developing criteria for this product category. In order to activate this new EPEAT Product Category, GEC will apply the newly updated next generation sustainability criteria for [Climate Change Mitigation](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/EPEAT_CCM_2023.pdf?utm_campaign=final-product-category-proposal-enterprise-data-storage-2025&utm_medium=article&utm_source=3blmedia&utm_content=text-link), [Reducing Chemicals of Concern](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/EPEAT_COC_2025.pdf) and [Responsible Supply Chains](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/EPEAT_RSC_2025.pdf?utm_campaign=final-product-category-proposal-enterprise-data-storage-2025&utm_medium=article&utm_source=3blmedia&utm_content=text-link). GEC will also make necessary changes to apply the next generation [EPEAT Sustainable Use of Resources Criteria](https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/EPEAT_SUR_2025.pdf?utm_campaign=final-product-category-proposal-enterprise-data-storage-2025&utm_medium=article&utm_source=3blmedia&utm_content=text-link) to data storage equipment by convening Expert Ad Hoc Groups to review draft proposals for a Limited Criteria Revision. Where select Sustainable Use of Resources criteria have product specific thresholds and/or functional performance requirements, such as for recycled content and availability of replacement components, GEC will seek Expert Ad Hoc Group input on the applicability of server requirements to data storage products. No other revisions to EPEAT SUR-2025 Criteria or other next generation EPEAT Criteria are proposed. Following conclusion of the Expert Ad Hoc Group vetting process, GEC will initiate a Voluntary Consensus Process with NSF International for a Limited Criteria Revision of EPEAT SUR-2025. EPEAT’s sustainability criteria are built and finalized via a community driven process. Stakeholders interested in participating in the Expert Ad Hoc Group are encouraged to contact by 11:59pm ET on April 16, 2025. Please contact Erica Terek () with any questions. [![Global Electronics Council logo with tagline “Advancing Sustainable Technology.”](/sites/default/files/2025-09/GEC-Logo_Tagline_Full-Color-417px-200px.png)](/profiles/global-electronics-council) ### More from Global Electronics Council ###### [Circular Electronics Partnership Marks Five Years With New Focus on Solutions and Implementation](/news/circular-electronics-partnership-marks-five-years-new-focus-solutions-and-implementation) Mar 31, 2026 10:30 AM ET ###### [First Registered Networking Equipment Continues EPEAT’s Expansion Into Sustainable Digital Infrastructure](/news/first-registered-networking-equipment-continues-epeats-expansion-sustainable-digital) Mar 19, 2026 10:10 AM ET ###### [Global Electronics Council Launches EPEAT 2.0 To Accelerate the Next Generation of Responsible Technology](/news/global-electronics-council-launches-epeat-20-accelerate-next-generation) Dec 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET ###### [Green Building Initiative and Global Electronics Council Align to Advance Whole Building Energy Efficiency](/news/green-building-initiative-and-global-electronics-council-align-advance-whole-building-energy) Oct 28, 2025 11:35 AM ET ###### [Circular Electronics Design Guide Addendum Closes the Language Gap within Organizations](/news/circular-electronics-design-guide-addendum-closes-language-gap-within-organizations) Oct 23, 2025 10:00 AM ET ###### [GEC Launches New Tagline: Advancing Responsible Technology](/news/gec-launches-new-tagline-advancing-responsible-technology) Sep 22, 2025 2:05 PM ET ###### [Circular Electronics Partnership Joins Forces With Global Electronics Council](/news/circular-electronics-partnership-joins-forces-global-electronics-council) Sep 9, 2025 10:00 AM ET ###### [GEC CEO Bob Mitchell To Join Cleantech Leadership Panel at Climate Week NYC](/news/gec-ceo-bob-mitchell-join-cleantech-leadership-panel-climate-week-nyc) Aug 28, 2025 10:00 AM ET