Vantage Data Centers has joined forces with major global businesses in setting an aggressive (and much needed) climate agenda, and is set to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions as a company by 2030. Hats off!

Hitting this Net Zero by 2030 target will mark a significant step for Vantage in its long-time efforts to continually increase efficiencies and reduce environmental impacts at its hyperscale data centre campuses worldwide. 

With Vantage’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions, 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 in alignment with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) methodology, which defines and promotes emissions reduction in line with climate science.

“As major consumers of power and land, data centre operators have an undeniable responsibility to aggressively reduce emissions and lessen environmental impacts wherever possible. This is why we’ve set our target at net zero rather than carbon neutral,” explained Justin Thomas, chief technology officer, Vantage Data Centers.

“Our goal is to be a sustainability leader, and we are setting interim reduction goals that touch every part of our business.”

Vantage will continue to prioritise partnerships and projects that directly benefit the environment and communities in which the company operates. Vantage will reach its net zero goal by focusing on four key areas:

Emissions reduction

Vantage is 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 and cooling loads.

Renewable energy

Vantage has already taken a proactive approach in designing highly efficient data centre campuses with industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Most recently, the company announced that it now offers renewable energy options to customers across all campuses globally.

In addition, Vantage actively works with energy providers, customers and industry groups, like the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA), to advocate for and invest in additional renewable energy sources globally.

Supply chain

Vantage is working closely with its vendors and suppliers to decarbonise its supply chain.

Carbon offsets

Only 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 centres.

“Vantage is taking a forward-looking approach to decarbonisation by investing in the team, technology and processes needed to actively reduce our carbon footprint across the design, construction and operation of our data centre campuses,” said Amanda Sutton, senior director of sustainability, Vantage Data Centers.

“Our comprehensive strategy includes everything from the use of renewable energy to water conservation, waste reduction and recycling. We are making a strong commitment to sustainability while also rapidly expanding globally to support our customers’ technological innovations today and into the future.”

Vantage’s environmental sustainability goals and activities align with those of its hyperscale, cloud and large enterprise customers, as well as its investors, including DigitalBridge, which have made similar climate and environmental commitments across their respective companies.

“We view implementing Net Zero 2030 as both a business and an ethical imperative for our firm and for all of our portfolio companies,” said Marc Ganzi, chief executive officer, DigitalBridge.

“We are proud that Vantage is leading from the front and committing to this bold initiative.”