ISO IEC 30134-2-2016 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO IEC 30134-2-2016 — Information technology — Data centres — Key performance indicators — Part 2: Power usage effectiveness (PUE). This international standard defines the Power Usage Effectiveness metric for data centres, establishes measurement categories and boundary conditions, and specifies how PUE is measured, calculated and reported to ensure consistent interpretation and comparability.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 30134-2:2016 specifies the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) as a key performance indicator (KPI) for quantifying the efficient use of electrical energy in data centres. The standard defines PUE, introduces PUE measurement categories, explains relationships between PUE and data‑centre infrastructure, IT equipment and operations, and gives requirements for measurement, calculation and reporting. Guidance for interpretation and PUE derivatives (see Annex D) is included.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (see notes).
• Publication date: 19 April 2016 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: Joint publication by ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC).
• ICS / categories: 35.020 (Information technology — Data centres).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016). Amendment 1 published 2018; later superseded by a 2026 revision.
• Number of pages: 25 pages.

Scope

This part of ISO/IEC 30134 establishes a standardized definition of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) for data centres and sets out measurement categories and boundary/configuration rules to ensure PUE values are comparable across facilities and over time. It covers the measurement points, calculation rules, reporting conventions, treatment of on‑site generation and unmeasured energy, and guidance on interpreting PUE results and related derivatives.

Key topics and requirements

• Formal definition of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) for data centres.
• Classification of PUE measurement categories and recommended measurement scope.
• Required measurement points and instrumentation considerations for electricity intake and IT load.
• Calculation and rounding conventions for reporting PUE.
• Rules for handling on‑site generation, energy supplied from other facilities, and unmeasured energy.
• Guidance on measurement uncertainty and frequency to support reliable trending and benchmarking.
• Interpretation guidance and PUE derivative metrics (Annex D) to support deeper analysis.

Typical use and users

Adopted by data centre operators, facilities managers, energy and sustainability teams, designers and consultants, auditors and benchmarking organisations. Typical uses include internal performance tracking, external reporting, benchmarking between facilities, identifying infrastructure inefficiencies (cooling, distribution losses), and supporting energy‑efficiency improvement programs.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 30134 KPI series for data centres (see ISO/IEC 30134‑1 — Overview and general requirements). Other related parts include those addressing renewable energy factor, energy reuse and other KPIs. Cross‑references are commonly made to data‑centre and energy management standards and guidance such as national adoptions, ISO 50001 (energy management systems) and industry guidance on PUE governance.

Keywords

PUE; Power Usage Effectiveness; data centre; KPI; energy efficiency; measurement categories; energy reporting; data centre infrastructure; IT energy; ISO/IEC 30134.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 30134-2:2016 is the part of the ISO/IEC 30134 series that defines Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) as a standardized KPI for data centres and specifies how to measure, calculate and report it.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the formal definition of PUE, measurement categories and boundary rules, required measurement points and calculation/reporting conventions, treatment of on‑site generation and unmeasured energy, and guidance for interpreting PUE and related derivatives.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Data centre operators, facilities and energy managers, sustainability teams, consultants, auditors and organizations conducting benchmarking or performance reporting for data centres.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition (Edition 1) has been withdrawn and superseded by a later revision. The original was published 19 April 2016, an amendment was issued in 2018, and a revised edition of the part was published in January 2026; organisations should refer to the most recent edition for current requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO/IEC 30134 is a multipart series of KPIs for data centres. Part 1 provides overview and general requirements and other parts address specific KPIs (for example PUE, renewable energy factor, energy reuse, IT equipment efficiency, carbon and water usage metrics).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PUE, power usage effectiveness, data centre KPI, energy efficiency, measurement, reporting, ISO, IEC, data centre operations.