Intelligent CIO North America Issue 24 | Page 69

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology

Equinix highlights progress on ESG commitments in annual sustainability report

Equinix is the first company in the data center industry to commit to becoming climate neutral globally by 2030 .

Equinix has released its 2021 Sustainability Report which outlines progress , innovation and accomplishments on key environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) commitments from the past year and since formalizing its Corporate Sustainability Program in 2015 . The ESG initiatives comprising Equinix ' s Future First strategy focus on the issues that have the greatest impact on key stakeholders and business , including diversity , inclusion and belonging ( DIB ), and the company ' s commitment to becoming climate neutral globally by 2030 .

ESG topics have long been an integral part of Equinix ' s corporate agenda and align to the material issues that impact its stakeholders , business and the world at large . New government-mandated regulations are being enacted and proposed globally , making Equinix ' s commitment to creating a more sustainable future for the environment and the communities it serves that much more important .
This commitment , backed by science-based targets for emissions reduction , a strategic green financing plan and a comprehensive sustainability agenda , is a critical step in advancing the company ' s investments and innovations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions , and reflects the role Equinix can play in greening its customers ' digital supply chains and addressing the evolving needs of key stakeholders .
The company has made significant traction in meeting this commitment , with over
95 % renewable coverage for its portfolio in FY21 , reaching over 90 % for the fourth consecutive year .
Highlights / key facts
• Equinix has continued to make significant progress on its sustainability goals and looks to build a business that reflects its purpose to bring the world together on its platform to create innovations that will enrich our work , life and planet . Highlights from FY21 include :
• Became the first company in the data center industry to commit to becoming climate neutral globally by 2030 and set science-based targets for its operations and supply chain
• Reached 95 % renewable energy coverage across its global data center footprint – the fourth consecutive year in which the company has achieved greater than 90 % coverage
Keith Taylor , Chief Financial Officer , Equinix , said : " Our customers , partners , investors and employees are focused on sustainability more than ever . In the past year , we have seen a substantial increase in interest from customers on how Equinix helps them meet their sustainability and ESG objectives .
“ Responding to our customers ' needs is just one of the reasons we are devoted to our Future First sustainability strategy that outlines our key ESG initiatives and responsibilities , including diversity , inclusion and belonging ( DIB ), science-based targets and our commitment to becoming climate neutral globally ." p
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