GBI and iCA Partner on Decarbonisation

The Green Building Initiative and the iMasons Climate Accord have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on accelerating the decarbonisation of digital infrastructure and the wider built environment.

The agreement establishes a strategic partnership aimed at aligning whole-building sustainability certification with carbon reporting standards used across the data centre and digital infrastructure sectors. The organisations said the move is intended to strengthen accountability and enable more comprehensive assessment of environmental impact across supply chains and building operations.

Data centres, which are among the most energy-intensive building types globally due to the rapid expansion of digital services, are central to the collaboration. The partnership seeks to better align operational and construction sustainability frameworks, including Green Building Initiative certification systems such as Green Globes and Ascent, with transparent carbon accounting approaches promoted by the iMasons Climate Accord.

Leaders from both organisations said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to measurable emissions reductions and improved industry standards. They emphasised that combining building-level certification with infrastructure-focused carbon reporting will support more data-driven decision-making in pursuit of net zero objectives.

Under the agreement, the organisations will share resources, coordinate on events and publications, and pursue joint initiatives including industry seminars and member summits. Both parties said the partnership marks a step towards greater alignment of open standards and sustainability practices across the global digital infrastructure sector.