Data Center Sustainability:
Transparent Emission Reporting
As the industry works towards standardisation of measurement, metrics and transparent reporting for sustainability and efficiency, Verne Global is proud to publish its metrics and targets.
In a world where the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, the need for transparency in environmental reporting has never been more critical. We believe that transparency involves openly sharing information about your data center’s carbon footprint and carbon emissions, providing stakeholders with a clear view of environmental impact. As the industry works towards standardisation of measurement, metrics and transparent reporting for sustainability and efficiency, Verne Global is proud to publish its metrics and targets.
Calculating, Monitoring and Reporting: The Importance of GHG Emissions Reporting
To embark on a journey toward sustainability, it’s important to calculate your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions are reported according to GHG Protocol, the most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standard. GHG emissions are divided into categories called “scopes.”
The scopes are:
● Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions, which are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company.
● Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions, which are indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating and cooling sources.
● Scope 3: Other indirect GHG emissions, which account for all other emissions associated with a company’s activities.
There are also discussions about a scope 4 emissions, however it is a new term and not yet standard practice. The scope 4 emissions refer to emissions reductions occurring outside of a value chain, commonly referred as avoided emissions. For Verne Global Finland the scope 4 would mean for instance heat reuse and emissions avoided through that.
Emissions Reporting
In 2022, Verne Global Finland’s total greenhouse gas emissions were 757 tCO2e (Scope 1: 2,8%, Scope 2: 13,4%, Scope 3: 83,7%). All purchased electricity was from renewable energy sources, with Scope 2 emissions emerging from district heating.
The largest emission source in 2022 was upstream emissions from fuel and energy-related activities. The second largest emission source was emissions from procurement and other investments in data center infrastructure.
In total, this is a 28,3% reduction in GHG emissions for Verne Global Finland in 2022 when compared to 2021, which reported 1057 tCO2e.
To put the figures into perspective, in 2022 our operations generated Co2 emissions equivalent to emissions from 95 homes’ energy for one year.
Climate Neutral Label
Verne Global Finland’s 2022 actions meets the standards to qualify for South Pole’s 2022-2023 Climate Neutral Company label for the third consecutive year. In addition to emissions reporting, important factors in our sustainable development activities include using 100% renewable energy, our own solar power plant at The Rock and heat reuse at The Air.
South Pole, a global organization that develops and implements comprehensive emission reduction initiatives, has helped us calculate, report and compensate for our carbon emissions. In addition, the South Pole Climate Neutrality standards closely align with international standards, such as PAS 2060. PAS 2060 standard takes into account both direct and indirect GHG emissions, as well as construction environmental impacts.
We also offset unavoidable direct and material indirect emissions. The carbon offset units Verne Global uses are certified by third party.
Transparency in data center carbon emissions reporting is key to sustainability success. It not only holds businesses accountable for their environmental impact but also empowers stakeholders to make informed choices that support eco-conscious practices.
The road to a sustainable future begins with transparency, accountability and collective action. By embracing these principles, companies can pave the way for data center sustainability, reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.
Choose Verne Global Finland as your partner in this journey. Together, we can create a more environmentally responsible future!