**Data Centers and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand, Says GBI’s Vicki Worden**
As global demand for data continues to grow at a breakneck pace, the development of data centers is accelerating in lockstep. These facilities, essential for powering everything from cloud computing to streaming services, operate around the clock and place a significant demand on power grids. Their sheer energy requirements and environmental footprint are drawing increasing concern from surrounding communities.
At the forefront of ensuring data centers are built and operated sustainably is the Green Building Initiative (GBI), a nonprofit organization focused on improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Connect CRE spoke with GBI CEO Vicki Worden to better understand how the development and operation of data centers can be aligned with sustainability and resilience goals.
### Navigating State and Local Policy
When asked about the regulatory environment, Worden explained that state and local governments play a pivotal role in overseeing data center development. Many states offer tax incentives to attract data center projects and increasingly tie those incentives to requirements for green building certification. GBI’s own Green Globes certification has been formally adopted in policies across several states, including Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Washington — and, as of this year, Minnesota.
In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 300 pieces of legislation were introduced related to data centers at the state and local levels. These policies go far beyond economic incentives and include energy regulations, environmental standards, zoning, taxation, and reporting requirements. Worden emphasized that the most successful projects take an integrated approach, focusing from the outset on collaboration between developers, operators, and community members to identify and achieve shared sustainability, health, and resiliency goals.
### Green Certification as a Project Catalyst
Green building certification can be a powerful tool in gaining community and governmental support for new developments. Worden noted that environmental concerns top the list for most communities considering data center proposals. Green Globes certification provides an objective framework to evaluate sustainability progress, helping to reassure local authorities and residents alike.
States that mandate green certification as a prerequisite for incentives have found that this requirement not only encourages better building practices but also addresses many concerns voiced by the public. Certification can be the key to unlocking community trust and final project approvals.
### Growing Community Resistance — and How to Address It
Resistance to data centers has increased in recent years, largely because of growing awareness about their environmental and resource consumption. This tension is occurring alongside a global conversation about the need to not only double the number of data centers but also to double the world’s electricity production.
However, communities can be swayed with open, transparent communication. Technological advancements are making data centers more efficient, and their economic impact is significant — from job creation to enhanced regional tax revenues. A recent survey conducted by Clayco in Chicago revealed 73% of U.S. adults would support the construction of a data center within 20 miles of their home. More than one-third said they would actively advocate for such development due to the associated economic benefits.
Worden emphasized the importance of trust-building between developers and communities. Projects that include early and consistent engagement, public goal setting, and third-party building certification tend to foster more favorable public perception and cooperation.
### Designing for Sustainability
Data centers differ significantly from other building types in terms of achieving sustainability goals. Whereas traditional facilities like schools or offices often focus on human comfort and use, data centers must prioritize external factors such as noise mitigation, site development, water usage, aesthetics, and local utility integration.
Despite their high energy use, data centers are uniquely positioned to maximize resource efficiency. Their “always-on” nature means that even minor improvements in operations can yield significant energy savings. Engaging communities in the planning stages ensures that these benefits are recognized, and that developments are optimized for not just performance, but for local integration.
### The Role of Green Globes Certification
GBI’s Green Globes certification provides a comprehensive framework for data center developers and operators to embed sustainable practices into every stage of a building’s lifecycle. From design and construction to long-term operations, Green Globes offers a continuous improvement model that evaluates and benchmarks buildings over time.
Achieving high-level certification signals to stakeholders — including communities, investors, and regulators — that the facility is actively working toward sustainability, health, and resiliency goals. This transparency is essential for building trust and achieving long-term operational success.
### Early Involvement Makes a Difference
While developers can begin the Green Globes certification process at almost any point, Worden stressed that the earlier the engagement, the better the outcome. For new buildings, Green Globes for New Construction supports teams throughout the process from design to occupancy. Certification is available for buildings up to 18 months post-occupancy. For existing buildings, Green Globes for Existing Buildings evaluates operational performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and incorporates third-party review and site walkthroughs.
Each project receives a personalized report with assessments, commendations, and recommendations, helping owners continuously evolve their sustainability approach.
### Final Thoughts
As the data center sector continues to grow, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Organizations like GBI are playing a critical role in ensuring that this growth happens responsibly. Through certifications like Green Globes and strategic collaboration with communities, developers can not only meet business objectives but also contribute positively to the places in which they operate.
Data centers and sustainability, as Vicki Worden emphasizes, truly go hand in hand.
