Digital Realty Achieves Prestigious Sustainability Award
Digital Realty, a key player in the cloud and carrier-neutral data center space, has proudly announced its recognition as a recipient of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit) "Leader in the Light" award for an impressive eighth year in a row. This award celebrates the commitment and exemplary practices that companies in the industry demonstrate in their journey towards sustainable growth and excellence in governance.
Leadership in Sustainability Practices
Andy Power, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty, expressed immense pride in this achievement. Power stated, "We are honored to receive this award from Nareit for the eighth consecutive year. As data centers have become increasingly central to our lives and power needs have grown, sustainable data center solutions have become ever more important. As the world's largest data center operator, we recognize our responsibility to lead the industry toward a long-term goal of powering our data centers with 100% renewable energy." This statement highlights Digital Realty's proactive stance on sustainability, marking it as a leader among peers.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
Digital Realty's efforts extend beyond receiving accolades; the company has taken significant actions to ensure its continued commitment to sustainable practices. With over 150 data centers globally, the company has successfully matched its operations with 100% renewable electricity and secured contracts that cover 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy. This level of dedication to renewable energy shows not only an environmental commitment but also sets a standard in the industry for others to follow.
New Leadership in Sustainability Initiatives
Further reinforcing its leadership in sustainability, Digital Realty's Vice President of Sustainability, Aaron Binkley, has been elected as the incoming Chair of the Nareit Real Estate Sustainability Council for 2025. Following his tenure as Vice Chair, Binkley aims to guide sustainability initiatives further while collaborating with esteemed industry professionals to promote best practices and innovation in environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Achievements and Future Goals
Digital Realty's recognition as one of the leading corporate solar adopters by the Solar Energy Industries Association is just one indication of its commitment to sourcing high-quality renewable energy. The recognition underlines how seriously the company takes sustainable development, as it continues to seek innovative solutions that not only serve businesses but also protect the environment.
Recent Sustainability Milestones
Some notable recent accomplishments include:
- Commencement of construction on a 120 megawatt utility-scale solar plant.
- Becoming the first company in its region to earn the "Gold+" certification from a notable efficiency association.
- Being hailed as one of the World's Most Sustainable Companies.
- Successfully selling €850 million in green notes which establish Digital Realty as a notable issuer of green bonds among US real estate investment trusts.
A Glimpse into Digital Realty
Digital Realty not only connects companies with data but enhances their operations by offering comprehensive data center, colocation, and interconnect solutions. Their global data center platform, known as PlatformDIGITAL®, is designed to provide secure spaces for data operations and innovative methodologies to combat challenges associated with data management. With more than 300 facilities located across 50+ metropolitan areas in over 25 countries, Digital Realty is an influential name in the tech industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nareit "Leader in the Light" award?
The Nareit "Leader in the Light" award recognizes companies that excel in sustainable practices and corporate governance within the real estate investment sector.
Why is Digital Realty prominent in sustainability?
Digital Realty is leading in sustainability efforts through a commitment to renewable energy, with significant investments in eco-friendly solutions and practices.
Who is Aaron Binkley?
Aaron Binkley is the Vice President of Sustainability at Digital Realty and was elected as the Chair of the Nareit Real Estate Sustainability Council for 2025.
How does Digital Realty source renewable energy?
Digital Realty sources renewable energy through contracts covering substantial gigawatts of power and ensuring all its data centers are powered by 100% renewable electricity.
What are some recent achievements of Digital Realty?
Recent achievements include significant construction projects for renewable energy facilities and industry recognitions that underscore its commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.
