ASHRAE, NEMA, PNNL release AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, United States, 10 June 2026: ASHRAE, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), announced the release of a comprehensive AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework.

Making the announcement through a June 10 Press Release, ASHRAE said the Framework is being hosted on its website, providing industry-wide access to practical, expert-driven guidance for next-generation data centre design and operation. ASHRAE added that as demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing continues to grow, data centres are placing increasing demands on both facility systems and energy infrastructure. ASHRAE noted that according to the Pew Research Center, the United States currently has more than 3,000 operational data centres, with significant growth expected in the coming years, and that an additional 1,500 data centres are already in various stages of development.

ASHRAE said the new Framework delivers practical, consensus-based guidance to help owners, operators and engineers optimise performance, control operating costs and sustain resilient, high-uptime operations through effective thermal management. ASHRAE added that the Framework delivers strategies for new and existing facilities, addressing the full lifecycle of data centres, from planning and design, to commissioning, retrofit and ongoing operation. ASHRAE said 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 said it 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); 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 and Other Information Technology Equipment. ASHRAE added that NEMA contributed expertise in electrical systems, equipment and safety, while PNNL provided coordination of the working group as a federal authority in energy systems research.

Bill McQuade, ASHRAE President, said: “ASHRAE’s technical leadership in building systems and data center guidance is central to this effort at a pivotal moment for our industry. As AI continues to drive rapid changes in load density, system design and operational expectations, this Framework brings together the collective expertise of ASHRAE, PNNL and NEMA to deliver practical, integrated solutions. It translates complex technical challenges into clear, actionable strategies that help operators enhance performance, control costs and make more effective use of energy, while strengthening reliability at both the facility and grid level.”

Bing Liu, Director, Buildings and Industrial Programs, PNNL, said: “This guide brings together the most comprehensive industry expertise on data centers in a single resource. Rather than being frozen in time, it’s a dynamic online resource that can be updated, remain relevant and stay accessible to anyone involved in developing a data center.” ASHRAE said Liu launched this industry-lab partnership a year ago

Debra Phillips, President, CEO, NEMA, said: “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.”

ASHRAE said that to further support industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, it will host the 2027 Data Center and AI Integration Conference, from 3-5 March 2027 in Dallas, Texas. ASHRAE added that the conference will bring together global experts to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure performance and system integration.