There is a compelling news from Singapore’s tech landscape. IMDA have just unveiled a new standard, SS 715:2025, focused on enhancing the energy efficiency of IT equipment in data centers. This positions us as one of the first nations worldwide to implement such guidelines specifically for tropical environments. Whether you are a data center operator, consultant, or sustainability advocate, this development holds significant value.
At its core, IT equipment consumes roughly 60% of a data center’s total energy, a figure set to rise with the expanding adoption of artificial intelligence, which demands intensive computing power. This standard aims to reduce that consumption by at least 30% via informed selection and operational strategies. It establishes minimum energy efficiency thresholds for servers, storage, and network devices, aligned with respected international benchmarks such as the US Energy Star and EU Ecodesign programs. This ensures access to a wide range of compliant options that meet or surpass global standards.
However, the guidance extends beyond procurement; it includes practical recommendations for deployment and management. For instance, streamline your IT infrastructure by replacing outdated units with fewer, more advanced models capable of handling greater workloads with equivalent energy use. Additionally, monitor utilization rates routinely to identify and retire underused or idle equipment that contributes to unnecessary waste. The standard also endorses safe operation at temperatures up to 35°C, complementing our Tropical Data Centre standard (SS697:2023) launched in 2023. Each 1°C increase in operating temperature could yield 2% to 5% savings in cooling energy.
For data center users, consider leveraging IMDA’s Energy Efficiency Grant to facilitate upgrades that align with these efficiency criteria. The grant supports the acquisition of pre-approved, energy-efficient IT equipment. Details are available at https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/energy-efficiency-grant.
As IMDA’s Deputy Chief Executive, Ms Aileen Chia, aptly stated: “Data centers form the essential foundation of Singapore’s digital economy, driving innovation and expansion. This new IT energy efficiency standard advances the Green Data Centre Roadmap and our tropical standard, accelerating improvements in both facility and IT performance. We remain committed to collaborating with industry partners to promote sustainable data center development in Singapore.”
Developed in partnership with industry experts and academics, the standard is available for purchase at https://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/.
We also have insightful perspectives from key stakeholders. Richard Tay, Senior Director at GovTech Singapore, noted: “In line with GovTech’s dedication to sustainable ICT across the government, we will integrate the energy efficiency baselines from SS 715:2025 into forthcoming IT bulk tenders. This mandates suppliers to comply with the standard, while requiring energy-efficient equipment in government data centers. These measures support our efforts to minimize the public sector’s carbon footprint and foster greener digital infrastructure, aligning with Singapore’s sustainability objectives.”
From Equinix, Senior Director Gavin O’Reilly added: “Equinix is committed to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the data center sector. We have achieved notable improvements in power usage effectiveness both globally and locally. The SS 715:2025 standard represents a vital progression; combined with our initiatives, it enables closer collaboration with customers to enhance the efficiency of their IT equipment and our facilities.”
In essence, this initiative benefits both the environment and operational costs. Let us continue advocating for more sustainable technology practices.