Iron Mountain Data Centers is recognized as a global leader in sustainable digital infrastructure, setting ambitious benchmarks for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and environmental stewardship. With over 25 data centers across three continents and a client base that includes 95% of the Fortune 1000, Iron Mountain’s sustainability initiatives are both broad in scope and deep in impact.
Since 2017, Iron Mountain has matched 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy. It is the only global colocation provider committed to matching every hour of data center electricity usage with locally produced clean energy, aiming for complete decarbonization every hour, everywhere. The company is a founding signatory of the United Nations 24/7 Carbon Free Energy Compact and has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Climate Accord.
BREEAM Certification & Green Building Standards
Iron Mountain was the first in North America to achieve BREEAM certification for a data center (AZP-2 in Phoenix), and all new multi-tenant data center facilities are being built to this standard. BREEAM certification ensures best-in-class sustainable design, energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and enhanced health and wellbeing for occupants.
Energy Efficiency Leadership
Iron Mountain’s data centers operate with a global average PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.55, with all new facilities targeting the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact’s benchmark of 1.3. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its energy efficiency leadership, achieving significant energy savings and deploying innovative cooling solutions such as geothermal cooling at its underground Boyers, PA facility.
Water Conservation
Innovative cooling systems, including closed-loop and geothermal cooling, have enabled Iron Mountain to significantly reduce water usage. New facilities operate below the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact’s water usage goal, and the company continues to invest in water treatment and conservation technologies.
Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
Iron Mountain implements robust recycling and reuse programs, responsible e-waste disposal, and landfill diversion strategies. The company also recycles waste heat and uses building materials with high recyclable content to minimize environmental impact.
On-Site Renewable Generation
The company built the largest rooftop solar installation of any U.S. data center (7.2 MW in Edison, NJ), generating over 9 million kWh annually.
Green Power Pass
Iron Mountain offers the Green Power Pass, an industry-first solution that allows customers to claim the benefits of Iron Mountain’s renewable energy use for their own ESG and reporting needs.
Iron Mountain is aligned with the Paris Climate Accord, a signatory of The Climate Pledge for net zero by 2040, and a member of the EU Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact.
The company holds simultaneous, enterprise-wide ISO 50001 Energy Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management certifications.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for energy efficiency and waste reduction leadership.
Summary Table: Iron Mountain’s Green Credentials
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | 100% matched, 24/7 hourly carbon-free commitment |
| Net Zero Target | 2040 (10 years ahead of Paris Accord) |
| BREEAM Certification | First in North America; all new builds to this standard |
| PUE (Energy Efficiency) | Global avg. 1.55; new builds target 1.3 |
| Water Usage | Below industry benchmarks; geothermal and closed-loop cooling |
| Waste Reduction | Recycling, landfill diversion, e-waste management |
| On-Site Solar | Largest U.S. data center rooftop solar (7.2 MW) |
| Customer Benefits | Green Power Pass for ESG reporting |
Iron Mountain Data Centers is a pioneer in sustainable digital infrastructure, consistently exceeding industry standards in renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, and green building certification. Its transparent, science-based approach and industry-first initiatives like the Green Power Pass make Iron Mountain a top choice for organizations prioritizing environmental responsibility in their data center strategy.