On the International Day of Forests, Vertiv’s One Vertiv, One World plan prioritizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency in data centers.
The International Day of Forests highlights the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. It calls for actions and strategies to advance reforestation efforts and carbon footprint reduction.
At Vertiv, we recognize the intersection of technology and natural ecosystems. With data centers consuming 1.5% of global energy, a figure set to double with AI adoption, environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly critical. Our One Vertiv, One World plan guides our efforts to develop and implement solutions that improve energy efficiency in data centers, reducing environmental impact across our operations and products. By bringing together 27,000+ team members worldwide, we strive to enable a future where digital progress operates on environmentally conscious systems.
Why the International Day of Forests matters
Forests are vital for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and supporting local communities by providing food, water, shelter, and enriching soil. They also absorb approximately 16 billion tons of CO2 annually—about one-third of the CO2 released from burning fossil fuels. However, these ecosystems are in danger, with deforestation destroying 10 million hectares of forests annually.
This year's theme, "Forests and Foods," emphasizes how forests combat hunger, protect biodiversity, and address climate change by providing diverse edible resources that support over five billion people. They enhance agricultural productivity through pollination, soil fertility, and water regulation, while hosting 80% of terrestrial species, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting resilient food systems. Protecting forests prevents land degradation and secures food sources for future generations.
Source: UN DESA Voice
Responsible operations
Vertiv strives to implement continuous enhancements and improvement initiatives in facilities and operational processes to improve our carbon profile. Leveraging the Vertiv Operating System, we aim to enhance resource utilization, maintain safety standards, and eliminate waste in our production processes.
We have set specific targets for our environmental footprint and improving resource and energy efficiency in data centers. We track our progress by regularly monitoring key metrics, such as: carbon emissions, energy usage, water consumption, waste generation, recycling rates, safety protocols, and environmental management systems.
Efficient products and systems
Under the One Vertiv, One World plan, we focus on delivering efficient products and systems that also reduce energy consumption, climate impact, and waste. Moreover, we strive to closely track the following metrics: energy use, water use, efficiency services, life cycle carbon emissions, alternative energy support, and circular economy adherence.
The Vertiv™ TimberMod™ exemplifies our commitment to high-performance, environmentally conscious solutions. This technology uses mass timber, a more carbon-reducing alternative to steel, in prefabricated modular data centers. Using mass timber can reduce resource depletion and carbon emissions by up to 3 times due to its carbon sequestration during growth and lower production and transport energy requirements.
The Treedom Vertiv Forest: Measurable impact
The Treedom Vertiv Forest is one of the initiatives under the One Vertiv, One World plan. This global reforestation effort involves planting trees across multiple regions in a fun, engaging, and more accessible way.
To date, the Vertiv community has planted 5,186 trees through the Treedom Vertiv Forest initiative, spanning 12 countries and four continents, covering 12 hectares of land. These trees are projected to absorb CO2 over their lifetime, contributing to global carbon sequestration efforts.
This initiative reflects Vertiv’s ongoing efforts to support environmental restoration. Through Treedom, individuals can plant trees remotely, directly supporting reforestation projects and promoting biodiversity in a more accessible way. Additionally, the initiative provides economic benefits to local farmers in rural areas, enhancing community engagement.
Join the initiative: Plant a tree
The International Day of Forests is an opportunity to take actionable steps toward environmental conservation. Vertiv invites industry professionals to participate in the Treedom Vertiv Forest initiative by planting a tree. For as little as $15, you can contribute to reforestation efforts while supporting local communities in rural areas.
Each tree planted is tracked and monitored, with details on its location and growth progress provided to donors. Participants can choose from various tree species and planting locations, each with unique ecological and social benefits. The initiative also provides economic support to local farmers, fostering community engagement and promoting biodiversity.
By planting a tree, you contribute to global carbon sequestration efforts and support the data center industry’s broader environmental goals.
