A new framework for the industry
The future of data centre infrastructure should be measured by more than megawatts
Let's debate the future
Behind every planned data centre development application there needs to be a voice of reason. Data centres will consume energy, water, land and energy network capacity and rather than slinging mud, we need to have a national conversation around
What makes a data centre ethical?
The Ethical Data Centres Framework has been established to help answer that question. We believe data centres should not simply minimise their environmental impact. They should create a positive contribution to the energy system, the communities that host them and the economies they support.
Built to find common ground
This framework is looking to create a common language for industry, investors, government, policymakers and their host communities to determine if planned data centre infrastructures being developed can be done responsibly.
Why it matters
The demand for data centres is being driven by the cloud, data and AI use. As we deliberate the social license around planned data centres, there are legitimate questions that surround:
Energy consumption
Grid and network capacity
Water use
Environmental impacts
Community benefits
Cybersecurity
Data sovereignty
Removing the barriers to progress
We can plan and build better data centres that will deliver an economic, social and technological benefit for everyone.
The Ethical Data Centres Framework is designed to deliver an informed debate about how data centres can contribute positively to Australia’s energy transition and our progressive digital future.
About Ethical Data Centres
Ethical Data Centres was created to start a national conversation about the future of data centres in Australia. As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud and data grows, the questions around energy, water and sovereignty needed to deliberated.
A data and intelligence driven future is critical for economic growth and prosperity and data centres need to be developed responsibly.
Through an Ethical Data Centres Framework, we inspire deliberations around what would be practical principles to create better outcomes for the energy system, local communities, the environment and Australia's digital economy.
Help shape the future
Join a network that is committed to building a more responsible digital future.