Friday, November 22, 2024

AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Others Call for Supplier Action to Decarbonize Digital Infrastructure through EPDs – ESG News

Must read

  • Leading tech companies call for industry-wide adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
  • EPDs provide transparency on Scope 3 emissions, crucial for net-zero goals.
  • Joint effort by AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Digital Realty, and Schneider Electric.

The iMasons Climate Accord’s Governing Body, including AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Digital Realty, and Schneider Electric, has released an open letter urging data center suppliers to adopt Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs are standardized, third-party-verified documents that report a product’s greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle.

EPDs provide detailed information on the environmental impact of products, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. This transparency is essential for calculating Scope 3 emissions, which can represent 38-69% of data centers’ total carbon footprint. Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions throughout the value chain, crucial for reaching net-zero targets.

“EPDs are crucial in transforming the future of digital infrastructure to be more resilient and climate positive,” said Miranda Gardiner, Executive Director of the iMasons Climate Accord. “Standardized and verified data supports collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions.“

“At AWS, we are committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040,” stated Eric Wilcox, VP of Data Center Engineering at AWS. “Supporting EPD adoption provides greater transparency in Scope 3 emissions and accelerates industry efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.“

The open letter from these tech giants underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Lex Coors of Digital Realty emphasized the need for transparency and responsible choices to meet digital demands sustainably. Joe Kava of Google highlighted EPDs as a critical lever for low-carbon procurement in digital infrastructure. Rachel Peterson of Meta and Shirin O’Connor of Microsoft also echoed the importance of transparency in achieving net-zero goals.

Related Article: Microsoft and Carbon Direct Release 2024 Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Removal, Marking Major Market Advancements

The iMasons Climate Accord’s call to action represents a significant push towards a sustainable future for the digital infrastructure industry. By adopting EPDs, the industry can make informed, responsible choices that align with collective sustainability ambitions, driving progress towards a more transparent and sustainable data center industry.

Read the full open letter here.

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