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Digital Realty's 2024 Impact Report: A Commitment to Sustainability

Digital Realty, the leading global provider of data center solutions, has unveiled its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing significant strides in sustainability measures. This report underlines the company's unwavering commitment to clean energy and responsible resource management amidst the growing demands of the digital economy.

Achievements in Clean Energy

In 2024, Digital Realty made significant progress towards its sustainability goals by achieving a remarkable 75% of its global electricity requirements from renewable sources—a 9% increase from the previous year. The company has contracted 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, comprising both solar and wind projects. This includes matching 185 data centers with 100% renewable energy, demonstrating the company's dedication to building and managing environmentally friendly data centers.

Furthermore, eight of Digital Realty’s data centers were equipped with renowned LEED and BREEAM certifications, reflecting the organization's innovation in sustainable construction. The firm now boasts over 15 million square feet of space certified under green building standards, marking it as a leader in sustainable architecture in the data center space.

Resource Conservation Initiatives

Digital Realty’s report delved into resource conservation strategies, emphasizing responsible electricity and water use in its operations. The company has implemented initiatives to save energy, consisting of energy efficiency projects projected to save approximately 42,400 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy annually. These efforts helped avoid 28,500 metric tons of carbon emissions, aligning with international energy standards.

In terms of water conservation, Digital Realty achieved a notable milestone by deriving 42% of its irrigation and cooling needs from non-potable water sources. The company also decreased its overall water usage intensity for its North American colocation facilities by 14% year-over-year, thanks to the innovative adoption of water-free cooling systems.

Redefining Sustainable Operations

Digital Realty is also advancing the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100), a sustainable diesel alternative manufactured from waste fats and oils. This eco-friendly fuel has been deployed across 30 global locations, constituting 17% of the global operational portfolio. Such initiatives signify Digital Realty's proactive approach to embracing renewable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of its energy consumption.

Commitment to Resilience and Reliability

In alignment with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Digital Realty incorporates regular reviews and risk assessments to enhance resilience against operational challenges posed by climate change. This includes fortifying physical and cyber-security measures to ensure reliable operations across its facilities.

As Digital Realty continues to pave the way in sustainable data center practices, it aims to foster innovation and form stronger partnerships to tackle future sustainability challenges. Company executives assert that advancing efforts in renewable energy, water conservation, and low-carbon solutions are vital for a greener operational roadmap moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The pursuits highlighted in the 2024 Impact Report are a testimony to Digital Realty's long-standing commitment to sustainability. As the company sets its sights on 2025 and beyond, it remains focused on integrating next-generation solutions for a cleaner and more resilient digital infrastructure. Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of deeper collaborations and ongoing investment to propel the industry toward more sustainable practices.

Digital Realty not only delivers essential data center solutions but also exemplifies a committed approach to sustainability in the digital economy.

To learn more about Digital Realty’s initiatives and sustainability practices, visit their official website or connect with them on social media platforms.