Ethical Data Centres Framework
Developing Australia's first Ethical Data Centres Framework
Let's debate the future
New data centres are not going to go away. Social license might slow the pace of development if we don't start the conversations right.
What we're looking to achieve
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 a responsible participant in Australia’s energy system and communities?
We’re developing Australia’s first Ethical Data Centres Framework through a conversation on what a responsible data centre development should look like. 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.
Removing the barriers to progress
This discussion paper that will lead to the 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. 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.
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
Fossil free energy
Grid and network capacity
Water use
Environmental impacts
Community benefits
Data sovereignty
Cybersecurity
End of life
About Ethical Data Centres
Right now, Australia has rules for renewable energy developers, green building and energy efficiency standards, regulations for critical infrastructure and community consultation requirements for proposed developments. But there are no requirements that asks: What makes a data centre a responsible participant in Australia's energy system and local communities?
Ethical Data Centres was created to start a national conversation on what responsible data centre development should look like 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.
Facilitator
Gabriel Wong
Co-Founder, Positive Good
Gabriel Wong is a co-founder of Positive Good, a marketing, communications and community engagement agency that works exclusively with renewables and cleantech companies only.
Let's shape this together
Join a network that is committed to building a more responsible digital future. Contribute towards the discussion for the Australia’s first Ethical Data Centres Framework.