It takes a network to maintain sustainability. Every company along the supply chain is a member of that network. Each step in the construction of a building requires concern for its impact on the environment. From the mining or harvesting of the raw materials, to the production of components and their assembly into the final structure, sustainability must be considered. And each member of that supply chain network has a climate footprint.
Vantage Data Centers, a provider of hyperscale data center campuses, has set a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions globally by 2030. The company will not only actively work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also invest in technologies and projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Vantage’s goal specifically targets reductions for emissions that the company directly controls, Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as reductions that it can guide or influence throughout its supply chain.
Vantage is creating interim reduction targets that are aligned with the SBTi (Science Based Target Initiative) methodology, which defines and promotes emissions reduction in line with climate science. It promotes that, as major consumers of power and land, data center operators have a responsibility to aggressively reduce emissions and lessen environmental impacts wherever possible.
The company will continue to prioritize partnerships and projects that directly benefit the environment and the communities in which the company operates. Vantage believes it will reach its net zero goal by focusing on four key areas:
- Emissions Reduction:They are investing in technologies that target reductions in emissions, starting with a focus on energy efficiency and emissions reductions from on-site generators. In addition, the company will develop processes and partnerships to reduce Scope 3 emissions outside of its control, such as emissions associated with customer IT (information technology) and cooling loads.
- Renewable Energy: Vantage has already taken a proactive approach in designing highly efficient data center campuses with industry-leading PUE (power usage effectiveness). The companyoffers renewable energy options to customers across all campuses globally. Vantage also actively works with energy providers, customers, and industry groups, like the REBA (Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance), to advocate for and invest in additional renewable energy sources globally.
- Supply Chain: Vantage is working closely with its vendors and suppliers to decarbonize its supply chain.
- Carbon Offsets: In areas where emissions are unavoidable, Vantage will purchase offsets. The offsets purchased will provide funding for carbon removal projects and investments in communities where the company operates its data centers.
Vantage’s comprehensive strategy includes everything from the use of renewable energy to water conservation, waste reduction, and recycling. Their environmental sustainability goals and activities align with those of its hyperscale, cloud, and large enterprise customers, as well as its investors that have made similar climate and environmental commitments across their respective companies.
Original Article: https://constructech.com/sustainability-requires-a-network/
