Google, Microsoft top EPA’s list of renewable energy users

The EPA states that since 2010, Google has signed over fifty-five renewable energy contracts totaling 60 GW of clean power for a total value of about $4 billion through 2034. Similarly, Microsoft has been carbon-free since 2014, thanks to its $3 billion annual purchase of renewable energy.

Equinix, Cisco and Salesforce are among the leading tech companies using renewable energy. T-Mobile and AT&T are the top telecommunications companies on the EPA list, with T-Mobile using 100% renewable energy from various sources and AT&T using 18% green energy from wind power sources.

The EPA defines green power as electricity produced by renewable technologies that are naturally replenishing (such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy) and emits no emissions. According to the EPA, the agency promotes green energy as part of its strategy to decrease carbon emissions and combat global warming.

The EPA established the Green Power Partnership (GPP) in 2001 to encourage businesses to use green power voluntarily to protect the environment and human health. The mission of the Green Power Partnership is to:

• Increase the green energy market in the United States.
• Encourage the development of new U.S.-based renewable electricity sources.
• Reduce air pollution and emissions.
• Recognize leadership and influence in green energy usage.

In 2020, more than 700 EPA Green Power Partners used a combined total of almost 70 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable power each year, which:

• Is equal to the annual electricity output of about 6.6 million US homes.
• In the United States, it accounts for about 43 percent of total voluntary green power sales.
• Represents nearly 2 percent of yearly retail electricity sales in the United States.

Analysis

Growth in digital services has put pressure on cloud and data center companies to meet rising demand, and infrastructure needs for 5G and edge computing will increase those demands even further. At the same time, these companies are under pressure to become more environmentally friendly. The EPA’s latest list shows that many of these companies are progressing in this area, with Google and Microsoft leading the way.

Using renewable energy will most likely continue to grow in the coming years as more companies strive to meet their sustainability goals. This growth will help to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health.

It is encouraging to see these companies making significant investments in renewable energy. This is a positive step for the environment and sets an example for other companies to follow. Indeed, digital infrastructure providers have taken steps to become carbon neutral, creating the iMasons Climate Accord agreement.

As the world increasingly moves online, providers of cloud and data center services that aren’t already on the EPA’s list should consider taking steps to protect the environment.

Article Topics

EPA  |  Equinix  |  ESG  |  Google  |  Microsoft  |  renewable energy  |  sustainability