Equinix’s Science-based Target and Sustainability Innovation Agenda

Objectives

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company, operating 200+ data centers across the globe and providing interconnections to all the key clouds and networks that businesses need to scale their digital transformations. Equinix has a strong history of sustainability and was the first data center company to set a 100% renewable energy goal back in 2015. Since that time, the company has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2030 and has set a validated science based target (SBT) for emission reductions across its global operations and supply chain. Aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, this commitment is a critical step to ensure that Equinix continues to advance investments and innovations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Project

Building on Equinix’s sustainability reporting and integrating data with strategies, Anthesis supported Equinix in developing a range of climate target options for Equinix’s scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The assessment was informed by understanding peer/leader activities, comprehensive knowledge of Equinix’s business, and the latest climate science requirements (i.e. requirements from the SBTi).

By working closely with the Equinix Sustainability Program Office team, and interfacing with a broad range of stakeholders across Design and Construction, Operations, including Equinix’s Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence (EE CoE), Finance, and Procurement, we evaluated emission reduction measures, consisting of refrigerant management, energy efficiency, renewable energy procurement, and supply chain reductions and engagement. As part of this project, Anthesis also expanded Equinix’s scope 3 inventory to meet the requirements of SBTi and ensure the company was taking a comprehensive look at its carbon footprint.

We also identified opportunities to timebound Equinix’s existing RE100 commitment and consider a global climate neutral commitment. We conducted cost-and-benefit analyses on various options that formed the optimal scenario for Equinix balancing its Future First sustainability focus alongside investment time horizons and energy and carbon savings potential from planned and future initiatives.

Through a series of executive presentations to the C-suite, we helped the Sustainability team obtain executive approval within a span of six months from project commencement. Anthesis played a key role in the SBTi validation process, helping Equinix deliver appropriate data and responses for a smooth SBTi review and approval. In addition to this project, Anthesis provides sustainability consultancy and renewable energy advisory support.

Services

• Science-based target goal setting
• Data analytics and dashboard visualization
• Scope 3 GHG inventory
• Branding and communications support
• Executive stakeholder engagement

Outputs

• Scope 3 GHG inventory and Inventory Management Plan
• Tableau dashboard visualizations of the scope 1-3 target options, with supporting Excel workbooks
• Workshops and presentations detailing results and recommendations
• Facilitated Executive-level workshops with supporting presentations

Impacts

As the first data center company to make a global 2030 climate-neutral commitment across its entire footprint, the expected impact of these sustainability efforts on the broader digital ecosystem is sizable. Equinix’s extensive marketplace and diverse customers are expected to benefit from the greening of their digital supply chains. Equinix plans to maintain engagement with all stakeholders to drive transparency and impact as they press towards their climate neutral goals.