Digital Parks Africa (DPA) has become the first data centre in Africa to be certified as a Participant in the European Commission’s Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency in Data Centres. This landmark achievement positions the company among global leaders in sustainable digital infrastructure.
This prestigious certification, managed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, recognises data centres that voluntarily commit to implementing best practices in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. DPA now joins the ranks of international giants such as Microsoft, Equinix and Google, affirming its place in the global digital ecosystem.
The Code of Conduct was established in response to the European Commission’s 2007 warning that data centres would pose a significant energy challenge if not managed responsibly. Since then, the programme has evolved into a rigorous framework of 11 chapters covering IT management, power systems, building operations and cooling strategies.
Certified participants must demonstrate continuous improvement through annual reporting and action plans that detail how energy savings will be achieved.
Developing an African Code of Conduct
While Europe has long upheld energy efficiency standards for data centres, Africa is still developing its regulatory framework. To address this, the European Data Centres Association is collaborating with DPA to establish a dedicated African Code of Conduct that will drive sustainable growth across the continent.
“This certification is more than a badge; it is a commitment. Any hyperscaler or customer considering hosting or co-locating with DPA can be assured that our infrastructure and operations meet the highest international standards for responsible energy use,” said Wiaan Vermaak, Group Chief Commercial Officer at DPA.
“For investors, this means access to taxonomy-aligned reporting, which is a critical requirement for sustainable investment. DPA is the only company in Africa approved by the European Commission to provide this.”
The certification process is comprehensive. DPA was required to conduct an initial energy audit, submit a detailed action plan and commit to ongoing monitoring of its energy performance. This ensures that DPA’s operations remain aligned with evolving European standards and that its facilities continue to improve in efficiency year after year.
Disciplined infrastructure development
Bernard Lecanu, Managing Director at BL International Consultant and one of the original architects of the Code of Conduct, praised DPA’s achievement: “DPA’s approval is a testament to years of disciplined infrastructure development and operational excellence. Their data centres are built to last, and to lead. Every year, they will report on their progress and demonstrate how they plan to save energy across all aspects of their operations. This is the best way to manage a modern, responsible data centre.”
For DPA’s clients and partners, the benefits are tangible. Hosting in a certified facility means lower operational costs, predictable energy usage and alignment with global sustainability goals. It also offers reputational advantages, allowing organisations to demonstrate environmental responsibility throughout their value chain.
This milestone sets a new benchmark for the South African data centre industry. While the Code of Conduct remains voluntary, it is increasingly viewed as a market expectation and will soon become a regulatory necessity. DPA’s leadership signals a continental shift toward more resilient, efficient and environmentally conscious digital infrastructure.
