Our Methodology

A transparent, data-driven approach to evaluating data center locations across five critical dimensions

How DCDE Scoring Works

DCDE aggregates real-time data from government agencies, utility providers, environmental databases, and market intelligence sources. Each location receives scores across five pillars, which are combined into an overall site ranking.

1

Data Collection

Automated pipelines gather metrics from authoritative sources, ensuring up-to-date and accurate information.

2

Normalization & Weighting

Metrics are normalized on a 0-100 scale and weighted based on industry best practices or custom priorities.

3

Pillar Scoring

Each pillar receives a composite score reflecting overall performance in that category (Energy, Water, Carbon, Policy, Risk).

4

Overall Ranking

Pillar scores are aggregated into a final site score, enabling side-by-side comparisons and rankings.

The Five Pillars in Detail

Energy & Grid

Evaluates electricity costs, grid capacity, renewable energy access, and interconnection timelines to ensure reliable, cost-effective power delivery.

Key Metrics

  • Average electricity rates ($/kWh)
  • Grid reliability and capacity
  • Interconnection queue wait times
  • Renewable energy percentage

Water

Assesses water availability, stress levels, drought risk, and cooling system feasibility to support sustainable operations.

Key Metrics

  • Water stress index
  • Drought probability and duration
  • Cooling water availability
  • Water cost and regulations

Carbon

Measures grid carbon intensity, renewable procurement options, and decarbonization trajectory to meet climate commitments.

Key Metrics

  • Grid carbon intensity (gCO2/kWh)
  • Renewable energy certificate availability
  • State/regional climate policies
  • Projected grid decarbonization rate

Policy

Analyzes incentive programs, tax benefits, permitting processes, and regulatory landscape to maximize business advantage.

Key Metrics

  • Tax incentives and credits
  • Permitting timelines and complexity
  • Regulatory stability
  • Economic development programs

Risk

Identifies climate hazards, natural disaster exposure, flood zones, and extreme weather patterns to protect long-term investments.

Key Metrics

  • Climate hazard exposure (heat, storms)
  • Flood zone classification
  • Historical disaster frequency
  • Future climate projections

Transparency & Customization

DCDE provides full visibility into data sources, scoring formulas, and weighting schemes. Users can customize weights to reflect their priorities, run sensitivity analyses, and export underlying data for independent review. Our methodology evolves based on industry feedback and emerging best practices, ensuring DCDE remains relevant and actionable.