Reducing Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient data centers have a lesser impact on the environment and cost less to operate. We address the performance of our data center portfolio by investing in our operating facilities to improve efficiency and reduce resource consumption, and in turn deliver cost savings to our customers.

Digital Realty seeks to continually enhance energy efficiency, improve PUE, and deliver a lower total cost of ownership. We utilize ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 50001 Environmental Management System frameworks to structure our activities, support legislative and regulatory compliance, and reduce emissions and carbon footprint. These efforts include:

  • Auditing existing facilities for operational enhancements
  • Benchmarking and certifying our portfolio properties in accordance with third-party verified energy efficiency frameworks including Energy Star, EPC, and NABERS scores
  • Making low and no cost upgrades
  • Investing in capital projects that generate substantial energy, water and cost savings

Meeting the Better Buildings Challenge

In 2014, Digital Realty became one of the first data center providers to participate in the Better Buildings Challenge, a U.S. Department of Energy initiative to reduce power consumption. Our goal was to make our buildings 20 percent more energy efficient by 2024 (against a 2013 baseline). By the end of 2016 we had achieved that target, several years ahead of schedule.

Today, we continue strengthening our commitment to energy conservation and expect to see continued progress across our portfolio as we expand our goals.

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