27 Aug 2026
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed an agreement between the Australian Government and state and territory governments to develop new national standards for data centres, describing it as an important step towards ensuring the sector’s rapid growth delivers better environmental, social and economic outcomes for all Australians.
During a National Cabinet meeting yesterday, First Ministers agreed that standards will be designed to set consistent expectations for energy, water and land-use, and support skills and training opportunities.
GBCA Chief Executive Officer, Davina Rooney, said a nationally consistent approach will help address the risk of a patchwork of state-based rules as demand for AI and digital infrastructure continues to surge.
“The agreement provides a strong foundation for responsible growth in a sector that is evolving rapidly as demand for digital services and artificial intelligence continues to accelerate,” Ms Rooney said.
“GBCA welcomes national standards for data centres that will ensure better environmental, social and economic outcomes as this sector continues to scale.”
“These standards will set a benchmark for development and investment, while also creating the greater certainty that industry and investors have been asking for. Clear, consistent rules help ensure growth strengthens our economy and energy system, rather than placing new costs on consumers and communities.”
GBCA is currently working with a number of data centre operators and developers through its Sustainable Data Centres Program and is part of an international coalition of leading built environment and sustainable finance organisations, which seek to support industry leadership in delivering a range of positive outcomes for data centres, the environment and the community including energy efficiency, renewable energy, water stewardship and reductions in upfront carbon.
“This is exactly the work our Sustainable Data Centres Program and Working Group are already doing with industry – exploring what good looks like across energy, water, embodied carbon, nature and community outcomes,” Ms Rooney said.
“Today’s agreement gives that work even greater relevance, and we look forward to continuing to work with government and industry as these standards are implemented.”