Most of us can agree that technology has the potential to create both positive change as well as negative fallout. We take the good with the bad. One thing is undeniable though...the influence tech companies hold provides them the ability to create massive waves of change. And this is a good thing where clean energy is concerned.
As reported earlier this year, Facebook has pledged to power its operations using 100% renewable energy by the end of 2020 and is currently building one of the largest solar farms in the United States. And just last month, Google committed to the biggest renewable energy deal in corporate history with a $2 billion wind and solar investment. In 2017 and 2018 they matched 100% of their electricity use with renewable sources and expect to do the same in 2019.
While almost half of their renewable energy investments were made in Europe, the remaining investments were spread out through the United States - new solar farms will be built in Texas and North Carolina where Google has huge data centers, as well as South Carolina. South America will also benefit from the investment as a new project in Chile will combine wind and solar power.
Google is just one of many tech companies that say they are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Amazon announced its plans to go carbon neutral by 2040, partly with the use of electric delivery trucks. And Apple, with over 70% of its corporate carbon footprint coming from the supply chain, is finding ways to invest in renewable energy that will benefit its suppliers. In 2018 Apple met its goal for 100% renewable energy operations.
While great PR is essential for any company, and meeting publicized sustainability goals is important, the bottom line is that investments in renewable energy is just good business.
According to Greenbiz, corporate renewable energy procurements set a new record in Q2 of 2019. Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and AT&T account for more than half of the renewable energy purchases.