Singapore has taken another decisive step toward sustainable digital infrastructure with the launch of the Singapore energy efficiency standard SS 715:2025. Issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), this new framework establishes minimum performance levels for data centre IT equipment, including servers, storage, and networking devices. Aligned with international benchmarks such as US Energy Star and EU Ecodesign, the standard ensures that data centres in Singapore operate efficiently while keeping pace with global regulatory expectations.
What the New Standard Means
The SS 715:2025 standard builds on Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap and provides clear technical requirements and operational guidance. Importantly, it goes beyond equipment specifications by addressing best practices in deployment and management.
Key provisions include:
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Minimum performance levels: IT equipment must meet energy efficiency baselines aligned with Energy Star and Ecodesign.
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Operational best practices: Encourages replacing older devices with fewer, more efficient units and regularly monitoring utilisation rates to eliminate underused equipment.
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Higher operating temperatures: Equipment should safely function at up to 35°C, reducing cooling demands and generating an estimated 2–5% additional savings on energy consumption for each degree increase.
Support for Industry Compliance
To ease adoption, IMDA has extended its Energy Efficiency Grant to help operators upgrade equipment in line with the new requirements. Moreover, the standard complements the Tropical Data Centre Standard SS 697:2023, which already supports high-temperature operations in tropical environments.
This initiative not only strengthens Singapore’s sustainability goals but also provides market access clarity for manufacturers and suppliers of IT equipment. By aligning with global frameworks, Singapore reduces duplication in compliance efforts and facilitates smoother certification processes.
Why This Matters for Data Centres
For operators and stakeholders, this development is significant because it:
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Establishes a regulatory baseline for IT equipment efficiency in Singapore.
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Aligns local compliance with global standards, supporting international competitiveness.
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Encourages sustainable operational practices, lowering both costs and environmental impact.
Data centres will need to assess current equipment against SS 715:2025 benchmarks, consider upgrades, and revise internal monitoring processes to remain compliant.
Related Regulatory Update
Full official release and fact sheet available via IMDA:
IMDA – Singapore IT Energy Efficiency Standard for Data Centres
How can we help?
Entirety supports organisations navigating new compliance requirements worldwide. For more insights on how evolving frameworks like SS 715:2025 impact Type Approval and Market Access, explore our Global Regulatory Updates Service.
Impact Assessment
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Technical Standards? ✅ Yes
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Type Approval & Market Access? ❌ No
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Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
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Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes
