The Green Building Council of Australia has launched its first Sustainable Data Centres program, a national initiative developed with Data Centres Australia to define what best‑practice sustainability should look like for the country’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector.
The program is designed to set a global benchmark for responsible data centre design, construction and operation, and responds to strong industry demand for clearer leadership, with GBCA’s latest membership survey showing that 80 per cent of members want guidance in this area.
GBCA Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney said the announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the industry and for Australia’s digital future.
“At its core, the Sustainable Data Centres program is about exploring what best practise looks like for creating and operating data centres.
“We have the opportunity to shape sustainability expectations for this emerging asset class and develop a pathway to ensure Australia’s digital infrastructure grows with sustainability at its core,” she said.
Rooney added that the guidance will be tailored to local conditions rather than imported from overseas.
“Make no mistake, this will be Australia-specific guidance. We live in a country with a unique climate, grid, and water context – and these needs must be considered when charting a path toward what science-backed, best practice looks.”
The partnership will bring together operators, experts and investors to identify priority areas and build capability across the sector, including collaboration with sustainable finance and benchmarking initiatives to support investment in high‑performing assets.
Data Centres Australia CEO Belinda Dennett said the industry has long embedded efficiency into its operations, but the rapid rise of AI infrastructure means standards must evolve.
“Data centres have operated with sustainability at the core of how they are built and run from the very beginning. Energy and water efficiency are fundamental to the business model. But the scale and complexity of AI infrastructure is changing rapidly, and we want to make sure our standards evolve with it,” she said.
Dennett said the partnership is focused on “setting a credible benchmark for sustainable data centre development that positions Australia as a global leader in building and operating data centres responsibly”.
GBCA is now seeking value‑aligned partners to help advance the program and support its broader vision for a positive, resilient and responsible digital built environment.
