June 22, 2026 – Global building technology society ASHRAE, in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), has announced the release of a comprehensive AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework. The Framework is hosted on ASHRAE’s website, providing industry-wide access to practical, expert-driven guidance for next-generation data center design and operation.
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 Pew Research Center, the United States currently has more than 3,000 operational data centers, with significant growth expected in the coming years. An additional 1,500 data centers are already 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. It presents the most comprehensive industry expertise on data centers in a single dynamic, accessible resource.
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 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 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 is a federal authority in energy systems research, providing coordination of the working group.
NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips pointed out:
Data centers require seamless integration between electrical and mechanical systems. Power distribution infrastructure must be coordinated with cooling and thermal management to maximize safety, reliability, and efficiency outcomes. By partnering on this Framework, NEMA, ASHRAE, and PNNL are giving data center developers a unified approach to system design, enabling them to deploy integrated solutions that optimize both power delivery and thermal efficiency while minimizing risk of equipment failure – and operational disruptions.
To further support industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, ASHRAE will host the 2027 Data Center and AI Integration Conference March 3-5, 2027, in Dallas, Texas. The conference will bring together global experts to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure performance and system integration.
To access the PNNL/ASHRAE/NEMA AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework, visit ASHRAE. For additional guidance, including access to the ASHRAE TC 9.9 Datacom Encyclopedia, visit the ASHRAE Data Center Resource Page.
