Global coalition launched to green AI data centres

23 Apr 2026 CW Team

A global alliance of leading built environment and finance organisations has launched the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition (GADCC), aimed at establishing credible sustainability standards for one of the fastest-growing infrastructure segments.

Founding members include Building Research Establishment, Climate Bonds Initiative, German Sustainable Building Council, Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, Green Building Council of Australia, Green Building Council South Africa, Indian Green Building Council, U.S. Green Building Council, and World Green Building Council.

The coalition will define clear benchmarks for what constitutes a “green” data centre, addressing rising concerns around energy consumption, water usage, and community impact as AI-driven infrastructure demand accelerates globally.

Data centres currently account for around 1.5–2 per cent of global electricity consumption, with demand expected to more than double by 2030. Their growing water footprint and pressure on local grids have raised concerns about long-term sustainability and resource allocation.

The GADCC will focus on two core areas: developing internationally aligned sustainability criteria covering energy, carbon, water, waste, biodiversity, and social impact; and enabling green finance instruments such as bonds and sustainability-linked loans aligned with these standards.

Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC, said, “Through this coalition, we are committing our collective expertise to balancing growth with responsible development that protects energy affordability, local resources, and quality of life.”

The initiative reflects a broader industry push to bring transparency, standardisation, and accountability to AI infrastructure, ensuring that future data centre expansion aligns with global decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

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