T-Systems, Deutsche Telekom’s digitalization services division and one of Europe’s leading cloud service providers, has implemented a strategy aimed at improving the energy efficiency of its data center in Cerdanyola del Vallès. Thanks to these measures, the company has managed to achieve a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35 during the first quarter of 2026, making this facility one of the most efficient in Spain. The figure is below the national average, which stands at 1.36, and the European average, which various studies estimate at around 1.58.
The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing demand for digital services, especially cloud-related ones, have amplified the need for infrastructure capable of managing and storing large amounts of data. At the same time, optimizing energy consumption has become increasingly important to minimize the environmental impact associated with digitalization processes.
David Mañas, VP of Cloud and Cybersecurity at T-Systems, emphasizes that digitalization has become a key driver of the economy, innovation, and social progress, but also presents the challenge of responsibly managing the energy resources it requires. In this regard, he highlights that the company is working to expand its infrastructure capacity while maintaining its commitment to sustainability, and that the improvements in PUE represent a new step toward more efficient digitalization in Spain.
The company also monitors another sustainability-related metric: the WUE, which measures water consumption relative to energy use. In this case, the average value has decreased from 0.0430 liters per kWh in 2025 to 0.0143 liters per kWh in 2026, while the Spanish average is approximately 0.84 liters per kWh.
Both the PUE and WUE indicators used by T-Systems are calculated following applicable ISO standards for the sector, allowing a standardized assessment of the energy efficiency and water consumption of their data centers.
The Cerdanyola Data Center, also a leader in sustainability
The strategic plan to enhance the efficiency of its data centers has considered cooling systems as one of the most impactful areas. Measures implemented include adjusting the set temperature or using water evaporation cooling systems, which have reduced energy demand and improved chiller performance, especially during hot periods, among other benefits. Additionally, T-Systems has integrated renewable energy by installing 305 solar panels at its data center, expected to produce approximately 244,000 kWh annually, helping to reduce emissions associated with the center’s operations.
International initiatives for data center sustainability
T-Systems’ commitment to efficiency aligns with European initiatives advocating for reducing the environmental impact of data centers. Specifically, since July 1, 2023, the company has been part of the Climate-Neutral Data Centers Pact, aiming for climate neutrality of these infrastructures by 2030. Additionally, from 2024, the Cerdanyola data center (CRD) has been part of the Code of Conduct for Data Centers regarding Energy Efficiency.
