Our goal with these awards has always been about shining a light on the projects, products and people that are genuinely moving the needle for data centres across the UK & Ireland. That’s why we’ve always maintained that they are neutral, decided by a panel of experts from across the industry – and unlike some other awards, there’s no pay to win.

We understand that everyone likes to win, however – and contend that it’s not always easy to know exactly how these things are decided. That’s why this year, as part of our commitment for continuous improvement, we’ve given the 2026 DCR Excellence Awards a proper refresh.

Firstly, the categories have been streamlined into three clear tracks – Projects, Products & Solutions, and People & Organisations – so it’s easier to see where your work fits and what each award is really about.

Additionally, every category now has its own eligibility requirements, recommendations for what to include in your entry, and transparent judging criteria with weightings, so you can see exactly how things will be assessed.

We want to be as transparent as we can be – giving you the best chance to get the recognition you thoroughly deserve. All we ask in return is that you’re transparent with us. What that means is that the strongest entries will go beyond a good story and show the impact: how performance improved, risks were reduced, energy was saved, skills were developed, or ESG commitments were actually delivered. These guidelines are here to help you shape that story and give our judges what they need to make fair, consistent decisions.

So, whether you have a standout new facility, a clever retrofit that squeezed more out of an existing site, a piece of technology that quietly transformed operations, or an initiative that’s helping to build the next generation of talent – this is your chance to put it on the record.

I wish you the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing you all at DCR Live 2026 when we’ll reveal the winners.

Jordan O’Brien
Managing Editor, Data Centre Review