Data Centre Essentials

9Sustainability

Corporate Sustainability

The United Nations (UN) defines sustainable development as ‘development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’¹ It recognises that through their activities and business relationships, organisations can affect the economy, environment, and people and, in turn, make negative or positive contributions to sustainable development. In 2015, all UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,² which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)³ shown in Figure 9.1, which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand‐in‐hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Organisations are facing increasing pressure from governments, investors, their customers, and the public to operate in a more environmentally and socially responsible manner; it has become a business imperative.⁴ Investors may screen companies based on their environment, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Greenpeace’s Clicking Clean campaign highlighted the renewable energy content of major digital platforms. ...