Climate Change Data

Switch, Inc.

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021)

Reporting Period: 2021

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:Net Zero Scope 1 & 2
Scope 1 Emissions:Less than 10,000 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:0 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:100%
Total Energy Consumption:972,328 MWh/year
Water Consumption:1.47 million m3/year
Waste Generated:1,225 tons/year

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Achieved net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions in 2021 through 100% renewable energy and carbon offsetting.
  • Implemented a net positive water strategy, starting with the Regional Water Improvement Pipeline Project in Northern Nevada.

Social Achievements

  • Launched the Virtual Wellness Center and Life Muse Fitness Series to support employee well-being.
  • Hosted a Speaker Series on Pandemic Parenting and COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Maintained equitable male/female pay ratio.
  • Achieved 42% ethnic diversity across the workforce.

Governance Achievements

  • 78% of Board of Directors are independent directors, one-third are women.
  • Increased the number of meetings for both the Board and its committees.
  • Implemented a performance-based executive compensation plan.
  • Zero security breaches.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Maintain net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions annually.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Develop an additional 11 million square feet of data center capacity by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
  • Recycle 30% or more of total waste by 2022.

Environmental Challenges

  • Supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Climate-related risks such as severe weather events, rising sea levels, increased flooding, droughts, and higher heat levels.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Developed alternative sourcing strategies.
  • Purpose-built data centers with advanced protections against severe weather events.
  • Implemented redundant utility feeds, full-site battery capacity, and onsite backup generation.
  • Secured mission-critical status fuel delivery contracts.
  • Patented Redundant Data Center Roofing System (Switch Shield).

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Environmental Procurement Policy focusing on sustainable commodities.
  • Rigorous development standards and permit conditions for construction suppliers.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Severe weather events
  • Flooding
  • Droughts
  • Higher heat levels
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes
  • Market shifts
Opportunities
  • Cost savings from energy efficiency.
  • Competitive advantage from renewable energy leadership.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD, UNGC

Certifications: ISO 27001, ENERGY STAR

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

Switch's initiatives, business practices, and policies reflect a commitment to putting good energy into the world, aligning with these SDGs.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Patented data center designs focused on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Awards & Recognition

  • Newsweek - America’s Most Responsible Companies, 2021
  • Highest Environmental Rating - S&P Global ESG Sector Report Card
  • EPA Green Power Partnership: Top 10 Green Energy User in Tech & Telecom