These seven standards define how NADCR operates — the non-negotiable principles that make every assessment trustworthy, every finding defensible, and every determination independent.
NADCR operates as a fully independent third-party assessment authority responsible for evaluating data center development, operations, infrastructure impacts, and related technological systems. The organization maintains structural, operational, and financial independence from data center developers, operators, vendors, and government agencies to ensure objective evaluations and unbiased determinations.
All NADCR assessments, evaluations, and determinations are conducted without external influence, political pressure, financial incentives, or stakeholder interference. NADCR maintains strict conflict-of-interest policies to ensure that findings reflect only professional analysis, verified data, and documented evidence.
NADCR provides findings, reports, and recommendations grounded in verifiable research, technical data, field assessments, environmental review, and infrastructure analysis. All information disseminated by NADCR is supported by credible methodologies and professional standards used in technology, environmental, and infrastructure evaluation.
All NADCR assessments are conducted by trained, certified, and professionally qualified assessors possessing relevant expertise in data center infrastructure, environmental impact, energy systems, engineering, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and related disciplines. NADCR maintains professional credentialing and continuing education requirements for its assessment personnel.
When deficiencies, risks, or compliance issues are identified, NADCR provides applicable corrective action plans and professional recommendations designed to address deficiencies, mitigate environmental or infrastructure impacts, and align projects with best practices, regulatory standards, and community protection measures.
NADCR maintains transparency by publishing the results of its assessments, reviews, and investigative findings through official reports, summaries, and policy briefs. Published findings may include operational evaluations, environmental considerations, infrastructure impacts, and compliance determinations.
NADCR ensures that its findings, reports, and informational resources are accessible to the public, community stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders. The organization promotes transparency and informed decision-making by providing open access to assessment outcomes that affect communities, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
Seven standards. One measure of readiness.
NADCR's governance is structured so that no single stakeholder group can capture the standard. Each pillar owns a distinct function — together they make the readiness grade trustworthy.
Forum input is advisory only. The Standards Council retains final authority over methodology.
