Lincoln Joins Global Effort to Set Standards for Data Centers
The City of Lincoln, Nebraska has joined the Global Urban Data Centres Pact, an international initiative led by mayors of 42 cities worldwide. This pact aims to establish standards for the sustainable development and operation of data centers, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and energy affordability. Lincoln's participation signifies its commitment to responsibly manage data center expansion while safeguarding natural resources.
The City of Lincoln, Nebraska, has become a member of the Global Urban Data Centres Pact, an international collaboration aimed at creating standards for sustainable data center development and operation. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced Lincoln's involvement, noting that the pact is led by mayors from 42 cities globally.
This initiative views data centers as vital infrastructure while advocating for cities to manage their expansion in a manner that supports climate goals, preserves natural resources, and maintains energy affordability. Mayor Gaylor Baird emphasized the responsibility of cities to protect natural resources, quality of life, and community vitality as data center construction increases nationwide. She stated that Lincoln's participation will help advance a thoughtful and responsible approach to managing this growth.
The pact, organized by the global climate network C40, encourages local governments to collaborate with the data center industry to create standards that reconcile economic development with environmental stewardship and community interests. Chief Sustainability Officer Kim Morrow reinforced Lincoln's commitment, highlighting the city's prioritization of its invaluable water and energy resources during development opportunities and its dedication to working with the industry for responsible growth in the digital economy.