Data storage giant joins RE100 and commits to 100% renewable power - News | RE100 Skip to main content

Data storage giant joins RE100 and commits to 100% renewable power - News

4 June 2018, 0:00 UTC 2 min read

Global data storage and information management company Iron Mountain has joined RE100 with a target to source all its electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

RE100 is a collaborative initiative led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, which brings together the world’s most influential companies committed to 100% renewable electricity.

For Iron Mountain, the decision to source renewable power as part of RE100 is one that makes business sense. Since the company started procuring renewables, it has seen savings of more than $2M a year on its energy bills.

Furthermore, sourcing 100% renewable electricity will help Iron Mountain to deliver on a science based target for lowering its greenhouse gas emissions - which it has agreed to set by the end of next year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Iron Mountain to RE100 and see another major energy user commit to renewable power,” said Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group. “With plans to sign deals for solar and wind, Iron Mountain will be a powerful driver of the transition to a low-carbon economy and the clean energy future.”

William L. Meaney, president and chief executive officer, Iron Mountain, said, “Understanding the impact of our energy usage has led to the adoption of energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategies that are helping the company save money, reduce environmental impacts and better serve our customers.”

He continued, “In making these commitments today, we are setting aggressive public goals with the endorsement of well-respected non-profit organizations, accelerating our efforts to foster strong economic growth while operating as a responsible, ethical and sustainable company.”

PLANNING AHEAD

With over 1400 facilities across 54 countries, Iron Mountain has a significant carbon and energy footprint. Over the last four years the company has been increasingly meeting its energy needs from renewable sources.

The data giant went from being 1% renewable electricity in 2015 to 30% in 2017 – all its data centers are now being powered by renewable energy. It already operates its own 6 MW on-site solar power installation and has made numerous purchases of renewable power.

To reach its target of 100% renewable electricity by 2050, Iron Mountain plans to sign major power purchase agreements (PPAs) for wind and solar farms. 

A recent RE100 Progress and Insights Report revealed a rapid increase in the use of PPAs by RE100 members between 2015 and 2016, with procurement growing fourfold from 3% to 13%.