As data usage increases and power consumption in data centers gradually rises, companies operating data center platforms are taking the lead in achieving ESG goals and expanding their sourcing of renewable energy.

Equinix, a global provider of digital infrastructure, recently released its 2022 Sustainability Report, which details innovations and achievements toward achieving key corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Equinix achieved 96% renewable energy coverage this year. With this, it solidified its position as an industry leader by achieving over 90% renewable energy coverage for five consecutive years and increasing its renewable energy procurement by 10% year-over-year on a GWh basis.

Equinix’s Future First strategy reflects a commitment to setting corporate goals, transparently measuring and reporting progress, adhering to ethics and honesty, and working with stakeholders to drive change. The Future First strategy focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) most closely related to Equinix's business, such as industry, innovation and infrastructure, climate change response, affordable and clean energy, creation of quality jobs and economic growth, reduction of inequality, and gender equality.

Equinix is achieving significant results toward sustainability goals across all sectors. Key contents of the 2022 Sustainability Report include, first, in the environmental sector: being selected for the first time on the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)’s prestigious 2022 'Climate Change A List'; achieving the goal of involving 66% of eligible suppliers in establishing Science-Based Targets (SBTs), with 17% of suppliers developing their own SBTs; and being the first digital infrastructure company to optimize the operating temperature range of data centers to improve data center efficiency and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

In terms of social aspects, achievements included establishing the Equinix Foundation by pledging $50 million in funding to promote global digital inclusion, supporting the technology, connectivity, and skill development needed to thrive in a digital-centric world, increasing the number of female employees globally by 13% while continuing to make progress toward ideal five-year diversity goals, and increasing Black and African American employees in the U.S. by 20% within one year and global employee volunteering by 37% (totaling 22,760 hours).

In terms of governance, the company was selected as a Vendor Engagement Leader by CDP for two consecutive years; it was one of the first digital infrastructure companies to link executive compensation to ESG performance by modifying short-term incentives for executives at the vice-president level and above, assigning responsibility to leaders for achieving environmental and diversity goals; and to enhance diversity representation on the board, three out of four new board members were women and of diverse races.

“Equinix believes in the potential of the future, and believes that the planet will be healthy, global communities will prosper, and all businesses will operate with integrity,” said Keith Taylor, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Equinix. “I believe there are great opportunities for Equinix going forward, as customers continue to seek out the Equinix platform as a key partner for the sustainable development of digital transformation.” "We look forward to continuing to develop to secure a competitive advantage in 2023 and beyond," they stated.

“As part of Equinix’s global efforts, we are applying various eco-friendly technologies to our data centers operating in Korea and utilizing 100% renewable energy,” said Jang Hye-deok, Representative of Equinix Korea. “Through SL2x, which is scheduled to open within the year, we will showcase various eco-friendly technologies and further strengthen our leadership as an industry leader by making efforts in social and governance aspects.”