Bridging High‑Temperature Cooling, Verified Refrigeration Performance, and EU Sustainability Compliance: A Cross‑Sector Scientific Workshop on Data Centres
 and Cold‑Chain Systems

The accelerating convergence of high‑density data‑centre cooling, refrigeration system integrity, and European sustainability regulation requires a new scientific framework rooted in validated performance data. This workshop brings together chiller, IT cooling, and refrigeration experts to present three technically grounded case studies supported by Eurovent Certita Certification (ECC) research.

Case Study 1 explores the transition to warm‑water (≈45°C) cooling in next‑generation data centres, demonstrating how certified Very High Temperature (VHT) chillers and certified IT Cooling Units (ITCU) maintain system‑level performance and energy efficiency under elevated coolant temperatures. Presented jointly by a chiller manufacturer and an ITCU manufacturer, this case provides a practical engineering view of hydronic–air‑side coupling at high operating temperatures.

Case Study 2 examines the results of ECC’s heat‑exchanger simulation and testing campaign, which revealed performance gaps of up to 30% in non‑certified market units. Using a real supermarket refrigeration profile, this case quantifies the long‑term consequences of inaccurate declared performance, including energy penalties exceeding 650,000 kWh over 15 years, additional CO₂ emissions, and significant cost impacts under volatile energy pricing.

Case Study 3 introduces ECC’s new Sustainability Department — launching officially at MCE 2026 — and presents a data‑centre compliance case study aligned with EPBD, EED, and CSRD requirements. The case shows how certified performance data, harmonised digital product records, and embodied-carbon tools reduce reporting complexity, improve regulatory readiness, and support heat reuse and efficiency strategies.

The workshop closes with a panel featuring experts from IT cooling, chillers, refrigeration, and sustainability. Moderated by Francesco Scuderi of the Eurovent Association, the discussion links technical verification, climate‑adaptive test conditions, and EU sustainability reporting into a coherent vision for the future of cooling under scientific, regulatory, and environmental constraints.