World's Leading Building and Climate Organizations Launch Coalition to Green AI Data Centers

The rapid growth of AI data centers has made the challenge of greening digital infrastructure increasingly urgent. If new data centers are powered by fossil fuels or draw heavily on scarce water resources, they could slow global decarbonization efforts and undermine the long-term viability of AI itself. With investor interest in green data centers rising, there is a growing need for clear, consistent definitions of what “green” AI infrastructure truly means — backed by transparent data and credible benchmarks that protect communities, energy security and the environment.

What the GADCC will deliver The coalition’s initial program of work will focus on two priorities:

• Common sustainability criteria: Developing an internationally aligned framework of environmental and social performance standards for data centers, covering energy, carbon, water, waste, biodiversity and community impact.

• Market enablement: Supporting the development of credible green finance instruments — including green bonds and sustainability-linked loans — for data center investment that meets the coalition’s standards. Peter Templeton, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), “We are proud to be a founding member of this coalition to accelerate sustainable design and operations in data centers worldwide.

As a strategic asset class, data centers are central to technological innovation and economic growth. Through this coalition, we are committing our collective expertise to balancing this growth with responsible development that protects energy affordability, local resources, and quality of life.” James Fisher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Building Research Establishment (BRE), “BRE is pleased to be part of the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition, bringing together organizations with shared expertise across the built environment. As AI infrastructure continues to expand, collaborative approaches grounded in recognized standards such as BREEAM will be essential to support more sustainable outcomes for buildings, infrastructure and the communities they serve.” Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative, “Trillions are going into building AI data centers, but without clear standards, it risks becoming a climate disaster.

The solutions are simple: use clean energy, recycle water and re-use heat. This coalition is about setting the rules to get that right.” Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO, German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), “Data centers are becoming an increasingly significant subject in Europe too, requiring comprehensive and sustainable planning and implementation in order to minimize any negative implications for climate protection. In this context, the link to the municipal context plays a particularly important role.