Akamai Technologies, Inc. has revealed new goals for its global sustainability program. The Company’s five new goals, expected to be reached by 2030, are focused on three areas: the Akamai intelligent edge platform, the communities in which it lives, works and operates, and its global supply chain.
100% Renewably-sourced Energy
Akamai will prioritize implementation and procurement of purchaser-caused renewable energy with a goal to power 100% of its global operations by 2030. This includes data centers, offices, Akamai’s accelerated network program partners and any source of electricity that falls under scope one and two emissions. In the event that sufficient renewable energy supply is unavailable in the areas where Akamai has operations, the company expects to use attestable and traceable sources of renewable energy certificates to reach its goals.
Today, 50% of Akamai’s energy needs is met by renewable sources. This was partially achieved through investments in net-new grid-connected renewable energy projects, including wind farms in Texas and Illinois and a solar array in Virginia.
50% More Energy-Efficient Platform
The greatest energy consumption by Akamai is the operation of its powerful edge platform, comprising approximately 325,000 servers in more than 135 countries and nearly 1,435 networks around the world. Akamai engineering teams constantly work to develop hardware and software efficiencies that help reduce power, not only for the benefit of Akamai but for its customers as well. When partnering with Akamai, customers already benefit from a reduced carbon footprint by using a shared platform versus building their own in order to meet peak capacity needs. Today, the company is announcing a new goal of operating an Akamai platform that is 50% more energy-efficient as measured against current capacity totals.
100% Platform Emissions Mitigation
Creation of a net zero Akamai edge platform requires working with data center providers and landlords to provide attestable sources of renewable power equivalent to the Akamai footprint. When this is not possible, Akamai plans to look to reduce absolute emissions through the use of credible greenhouse gas offsets offered by accredited organizations like the American Carbon Registry, Climate Action Reserve or through new and emerging capture technology. The net zero emission target applies to both its scope one and two emissions.
Responsible Supply Chain Management
Akamai expects its top suppliers to have environmental and social goals consistent with its own corporate goals. In order to facilitate this, Akamai will institute a new responsible supply chain program. The company will engage with its top suppliers to baseline and quantify scope three emissions with a goal towards a measurable reduction by 2030.
Global Expansion of 100% Electronic Waste Recycling Program
Akamai plans to continue its goal to recycle 100% of electronic waste at the end of hardware useful life, according to e-Stewards standards. Over the next 10 years, the company will look to bring efficiency to the partner program by disposing of e-waste in its country of origin where feasible. All Akamai vendors must continue to commit to protecting Akamai’s customers from data breach and remain in compliance with relevant laws in their region.