Now is The Time For The Data Center Industry To Lead on ESG

Why environmental, social, and governance programs are critical for business

Recently there has been a rising chorus of questions around whether developing strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs is good for business.

Companies operating in the data center industry have answered these questions with a resounding “yes.” 

For example, Microsoft and Amazon have committed to powering operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Microsoft has also committed to be carbon negative by 2030, and Amazon has committed to reach net zero carbon across its operations by 2040. Furthermore, nearly every major organization has programs dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). These initiatives—along with health, safety, and risk management—are held as core tenets, particularly among data center operators who understand the value of protecting both their employees and their customers.

For data center operators, ESG isn’t just good business—it’s critically important to business. That’s because it’s critically important to our customers and our communities. ESG has become a cornerstone for many of the world’s largest consumers of data center services. Furthermore, investors are placing more importance on ESG: Gartner reports that 85 percent considered ESG factors in their investment decisions in 2020. In data center markets globally, investors are increasing their green financing options based on the idea that operators meet certain environmental metrics.

As such, we in the data center industry have a great opportunity to become leaders in corporate governance and environmental stewardship, build a more diverse and equitable workforce, and create transparent and safe workplaces.

Here’s how we can do it: together.

Environmental: embracing our responsibility for sustainability

According to a Statistica report, hyperscale data centers accounted for 86.58 terawatt hours of energy demand globally in 2021, which is up from 76.23 in 2020. Being responsible for that amount of energy consumption makes it important for data center industry players to find ways to curb power usage in alignment with the environmental goals of customers, policymakers, and local communities.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valerie Finberg

Valerie Finberg is the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Investor Relations at Vantage Data Centers where she serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and is responsible for leading communications between the CEO and key stakeholders. She also oversees the company’s investor relations program and internal communications. With nearly 30 years of experience, Finberg is an accomplished communications and investor relations professional with an extensive background spanning corporate governance, ESG, M&A, capital markets transactions, executive communications, public relations, and business strategy.

Dave Renner

Dave Renner currently serves as Vantage’s Chief Financial Officer for North America and has held a number of senior financial roles at the company since joining in 2014. He now leads the finance, accounting, tax, and financial planning and analysis functions for the North America region. Recently, Renner took on responsibility for the company’s global ESG program in addition to leading Vantage’s EH&S program since its inception. With more than 30 years of experience, Renner is a corporate- and finance-oriented executive who combines strategic business vision with financial management expertise to maximize profitability and shareholder value.