Digital Realty's Sustainable Leadership: Eighth Consecutive "Leader in the Light" Award

Digital Realty, the world's largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, has been recognized as a leader in sustainability for the eighth consecutive year. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit) awarded Digital Realty the "Leader in the Light" award for data center sustainability, highlighting the company's commitment to implementing sustainable and socially responsible investment and operating practices.

Digital Realty's dedication to sustainability has been instrumental in its receipt of this prestigious award. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable growth in the data center industry. Since its first "Leader in the Light" award, Digital Realty has implemented several key sustainability initiatives, including:

* Achieving 100% renewable electricity for over 150 data centers worldwide, with 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy under contract.
* Constructing a 120-megawatt utility-scale solar plant in South Africa.
* Becoming the first company in Switzerland to receive the prestigious "Gold+" certification from the Swiss Datacenter Efficiency Association (SDEA).
* Being recognized as one of the World's Most Sustainable Companies 2024 by TIME.
* Issuing €850 million in green notes, solidifying its position as the largest US REIT issuer of green bonds.
* Appointing Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability, as the incoming Chair of the Nareit Real Estate Sustainability Council (RESC) for 2025.



Digital Realty's commitment to sustainability has evolved significantly over the years, as reflected in its consecutive "Leader in the Light" awards. In 2020, the company set ambitious climate impact reduction targets, aiming to align its carbon emissions with a 1.5-degree climate change scenario by 2030. This involved reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. By 2023, Digital Realty had achieved 66% global renewable energy coverage, up from 50% in 2020, and matched 152 data centers with 100% renewable energy.



Digital Realty's involvement in the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has played a crucial role in its sustainability journey. By joining the SBTi, Digital Realty has demonstrated its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a low-carbon future. The company's dedication to green bonds and sustainable financing has also significantly contributed to its sustainability goals. As the largest US REIT issuer of green bonds, Digital Realty has issued over €6.4 billion in green notes, financing eco-friendly projects while maintaining its position as a top green bond issuer in the data center industry.

Digital Realty's commitment to renewable energy sourcing has been instrumental in its sustainability leadership. The company has matched over 150 data centers worldwide with 100% renewable electricity and has 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy under contract. This dedication to clean energy has not only reduced the company's carbon footprint but also lowered costs for customers. Additionally, Digital Realty has been recognized as one of the top corporate solar adopters by the Solar Energy Industries Association, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability.

Energy efficiency measures, such as PUE reduction and green building certifications, have played a significant role in Digital Realty's sustainability efforts. The company has been recognized as the only data center company named the Energy Star Partner of the Year by the EPA for its energy efficiency efforts. It aims to achieve LEED Silver minimum (or equivalent) for all major new construction and redevelopment projects, with over 13 million square feet certified under green building standards.

Digital Realty's engagement with industry organizations and initiatives, like the Science-Based Targets initiative, has driven its sustainability goals. By aligning with industry best practices and committing to long-term sustainability, Digital Realty has solidified its position as a leader in the data center industry.

In conclusion, Digital Realty's receipt of the "Leader in the Light" award for the eighth consecutive year is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability. Through its innovative technologies, energy efficiency measures, and dedication to renewable energy sourcing, Digital Realty continues to lead the data center industry in reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable growth. As the demand for data center services continues to grow, Digital Realty's sustainable practices will remain crucial for meeting the tech industry's energy needs and addressing environmental challenges.