Environmental
Committed to Environmental Sustainability
Decarbonization
We report our annual greenhouse gas footprint including all relevant Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Our calculations are performed using the GHG Protocol and with assistance from a third-party firm with expertise in this area. While we work toward our carbon reduction targets, outlined below, we are purchasing renewable energy certificates and facilitating the carbon credit market to offset our footprint. Details on our GHG footprint and purchases of renewable energy and carbon credits are provided in our annual sustainability report as well as in our Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report.
Carbon Reduction Targets
We have set the following carbon reduction targets:
- Commit to working toward the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2032 from a 2021 baseline.1
- Supply chain engagement - With more than 90% of our Scope 3 emissions in categories 1 and 2, supplier engagement is critical to any Scope 3 reduction targets we set. Putting in place a robust system to engage, manage and reduce our supply chain emissions is the first step toward setting a quantifiable target and is our focus in 2023.
1 This target aligns with the SBTi 1.5 degree methodology.
Data Centers
We focus our energy management program on our two data centers, where we can make the most material difference. Our centers have implemented industry leading techniques to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and offset operating emissions. The building structures provide a high level of insulation to minimize outside air infiltration and reduce solar heat gains. This lowers the thermal losses of the building which delivers a more efficient cooling profile and reduces the energy demand.
The most commonly used and cited metric for data center energy efficiency is Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). At our data centers, we have consistently delivered a PUE that has outperformed the base building design by up to 14% by implementing multiple mitigation tactics including: optimized thermal stratification, data center air management, high efficiency HVAC chillers, speed control on cooling equipment and automated lighting control systems.
Our Basildon data center was built to stringent specifications allowing us to attain the following ISO accreditations:
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- BSEN 18001
- ISO 50001
Office Facilities
We have renovated our largest offices in recent years to provide modern, well-designed and sustainable workspace for our employees. We consider the environmental impact when designing and renovating buildings, including putting in place energy efficient systems and recycling waste materials from construction.
After purchasing our Atlanta headquarters building in 2014, we initiated a major renovation that resulted in significantly enhanced energy efficiency throughout the building, including:
- LED and motion-sensor lighting, managed by more than 4,000 automatic lighting control devices, that helps reduce our power consumption on average 20% below the energy code allowance
- Exterior facing stairwells that decrease use of elevators and associated electricity
- Computerized HVAC controls and multiple air distribution zones on each floor that maximize tenant comfort, save energy and reduce waste
- High efficiency fixtures and tankless water heaters that result in water conservation and reduced electrical loads
We completed a restoration and renovation project of the iconic New York Stock Exchange headquarters located at 11 Wall Street in 2017. Those updates included:
- Automated LED lighting control devices installed
- Elevators retrofitted for greater efficiency
- Equipment selected to deliver high efficiency
In London all three of our locations are ISO 50001 accredited for energy management and meet EU and UK requirements for energy use.