{
  "id": 20150897,
  "title": "Green Data Centre Certification needed to ensure sustainable growth, says Lam Thye",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/green-data-centre-certification-needed-to-ensure-sustainable-growth",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-15T09:12:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1578405/green-data-centre-certification-needed-ensure-sustainable-growth-says"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's rapid development of data centres, fueled by demand for AI, cloud computing and digital technology, poses significant environmental challenges, warned Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The government should mandate Green Data Centre Certification to ensure operators meet strict environmental performance standards, he argued. Lee emphasized the need for a balanced approach between progress, growth and environmental protection. He proposed stringent environmental requirements for major data centre projects, including assessments of impacts on electricity and water resources and the surrounding environment. Mandatory sustainability standards covering energy efficiency, water consumption and carbon emissions, backed by regular independent audits, were also suggested. Operators should gradually incorporate renewable energy and advanced cooling technologies to ease pressure on the national electricity grid. Concerned about water security, Lee urged operators to prioritize recycled and reclaimed water, rainwater harvesting and water-efficient cooling methods over reliance on treated drinking water. Large data centre constructions could damage green spaces, biodiversity, natural habitats and local drainage systems. He stressed the importance of transparency, calling for operators to disclose electricity and water consumption, carbon emissions and environmental performance. The government should review incentives and approval conditions to ensure companies with government support truly commit to sustainable development. Lee stressed that data centre development should align with the availability of electricity, water and supporting infrastructure to prevent overburdening public utilities and local communities. Ultimately, digital transformation must not become an environmental burden; economic progress should not jeopardize water security, energy sustainability and quality of life.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government should consider introducing mandatory Green Data Centre Certification to ensure that operators comply with measurable environmental performance standards, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}