Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 28 October 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria are used to determine whether a data centre qualifies as a “green data centre” under the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), and whether AI-focused data centres are included in the scope of national developments under NPF4
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) designates all green data centres of a major scale as part of National Development 12: Digital Fibre Network. This includes AI-focused green data centres meeting the major development criteria.
It will be for the planning authority to interpret and apply NPF4 according to the circumstances of each individual case. To be considered a green data centre, planning authorities may wish to consider criteria such as the extent to which the data centre is powered from renewable energy sources; makes use of energy efficient technologies; seeks to minimise water consumption; and supports the re-use of excess heat.