Digital Realty as a Green Data Center Provider
Digital Realty is a global leader in sustainable data center solutions, with a strong focus on minimizing environmental impact, advancing energy efficiency, and supporting customers’ clean energy goals. The company’s sustainability strategy is comprehensive, spanning green building certifications, renewable energy procurement, energy efficiency initiatives, and transparent ESG reporting.
Green Building and Certifications
Digital Realty is committed to certifying all new construction and major redevelopment projects to at least LEED Silver or equivalent standards. Over 13 million square feet of its data centers are certified under LEED, BREEAM, or similar frameworks, demonstrating a clear commitment to environmentally responsible development. The company’s award-winning Portland, Oregon data center and other sites highlight its leadership in sustainable design and innovation.
Renewable Energy and Clean Power
Digital Realty has more than 1.4 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity under contract and 5.4 megawatts of onsite solar installations worldwide. As of 2024, the company achieved 66% global renewable energy coverage (a 16% increase since 2020), with 100% renewable coverage for its U.S. colocation and European portfolios. Digital Realty is consistently ranked among the top ten buyers of renewable energy in the U.S., and its long-term goal is to make 100% renewable energy available to all customers.
Energy Efficiency and Resource Conservation
Digital Realty’s data centers are engineered for high energy efficiency, using fewer materials and achieving industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). The company has exceeded its PUE reduction targets, achieving a 16% reduction for colocation sites since 2017 and a 10% reduction for Interxion sites since 2020. All properties are benchmarked in Energy Star Portfolio Manager, with 67% of the U.S. portfolio ENERGY STAR-certified by managed IT capacity. Innovative cooling solutions, such as liquid cooling, are being adopted to further enhance efficiency and support high-density workloads.
Carbon Emissions and Climate Goals
Digital Realty has set ambitious carbon reduction targets: a 68% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions per square foot and a 24% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 2030 (against a 2018 baseline). The company has already achieved a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emission intensity and an 11% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the baseline. Digital Realty has also achieved carbon neutrality for its France portfolio and is working toward carbon neutrality for its EU data centers by 2030 as part of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact.
Green Bonds and Sustainable Financing
Since 2015, Digital Realty has issued $6.4 billion in green bonds, making it the leading green bond issuer in the data center industry. These funds are allocated to sustainable projects globally, ensuring that growth is aligned with environmental responsibility.
Transparency and ESG Leadership
Digital Realty publishes an annual ESG report detailing its progress and impact, underscoring its leadership in sustainable data center practices. The company’s sustainability objectives align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and its efforts have earned recognition such as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and Platinum Green Lease Leader status.
Summary Table: Digital Realty Green Data Center Highlights
| Feature | Digital Realty Achievement/Goal |
|---|---|
| Green Building Certification | 13M+ sq ft certified (LEED, BREEAM, etc.); LEED Silver minimum |
| Renewable Energy Coverage | 66% global; 100% for U.S. colocation & Europe; 1.4 GW under contract |
| Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) | Exceeded 10% reduction goal; 16% reduction since 2017 |
| Carbon Reduction Target | 68% cut (Scope 1 & 2/sq ft), 24% cut (Scope 3/sq ft) by 2030 |
| Green Bonds Issued | $6.4 billion allocated to sustainable projects |
| ENERGY STAR Certification | 67% of U.S. portfolio by managed IT capacity |
| ESG Reporting | Annual, transparent, UN SDG-aligned |
Conclusion
Digital Realty stands out for its integrated and transparent approach to sustainability, combining green building, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and responsible financing. Its ambitious climate targets, industry certifications, and leadership in green bonds make Digital Realty a top choice for organizations seeking environmentally kind and future-ready data center solutions.