Vertiv's 2023 report shows strides in sustainability efforts

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has published its 2023 Responsible Business Report detailing the company's progress in environmental impact and governance efforts.

The report introduces the "One Vertiv, One World" plan, aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing corporate responsibility across its operations.

In 2023, Vertiv reinforced its commitment to a responsible future by concentrating on efficient products and systems, responsible operations, community engagement, supply chain integrity, and robust governance. Recognising the critical role the tech and data centre industries play in the global energy landscape, the "One Vertiv, One World" plan is designed to steer the company towards creating long-term value for shareholders, customers, and the wider community.

Giordano Albertazzi, CEO of Vertiv, commented, "We continue to advance our efforts to be a responsible global and corporate citizen while simultaneously providing products and services that help our customers achieve their own environmental sustainability goals. With demand for AI growing rapidly globally, we at Vertiv are providing infrastructure products, systems, and services that enable our customers to advance their AI initiatives with high performance and a lower environmental impact."

The report highlights several initiatives and efforts undertaken by Vertiv in 2023. These include the expansion of high-efficiency liquid cooling solutions and low-global warming potential refrigerants to support AI initiatives with lower environmental impacts. Additionally, Vertiv acquired CoolTera, a designer and manufacturer of highly efficient liquid cooling solutions, further enhancing its thermal management portfolio.

A new battery energy storage system (BESS) with lithium-ion batteries was also introduced, providing utility-scale energy storage that can serve as an always-on power supply. This system aids in operational resilience, avoiding peak demand charges, and relying more on alternative distributed energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cells. This microgrid solution was demonstrated at the Vertiv Delaware, Ohio facility, which features solar arrays and hydrogen fuel cells to provide energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Another significant initiative is the introduction of the Vertiv TimberMod, which uses mass timber as a key structural component instead of steel for prefabricated modular data centre solutions. This approach aims to minimise resource depletion and lower the product's carbon footprint compared to steel alternatives.

The company also released a refreshed Guide to Data Centre Sustainability, providing updated statistics and relevant information to assist customers and stakeholders. Furthermore, Vertiv has made strides in operational efficiency by implementing measures to track and monitor its primary environmental impacts. These efforts include refining processes to streamline the collection of metrics related to carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation and recycling. Notably, the Monterrey, Mexico, facility has introduced a water reclamation system that reduces reliance on the city water supply by collecting water from air conditioning units and repurposing it for other uses.

The report also showcases Vertiv's efforts to make a positive impact within the communities it serves and underscores the company's dedication to supply chain integrity. This commitment ensures compliance with leading industry standards for responsible minerals, human rights, and labour conditions.

Vertiv's 2023 Responsible Business Report is part of the company's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in its environmental and governance practices. The detailed findings and future plans outlined in the report reflect Vertiv's dedication to creating a sustainable and inclusive business environment for all its stakeholders.