The green bond offerings have played a crucial role in supporting sustainable activities across 130 projects globally, ranging from sustainably certified new data centre construction to renewable energy and efficiency projects. The estimated impact of this portfolio supports the annual generation of 2.8 million megawatt-hours of clean energy, eliminating the need for 2.2 billion gallons of water, saving 2.9 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
To ensure the credibility and transparency of its sustainable activities, Digital Realty developed its own green bond framework based on the ICMA Green Bond Principles and the GRESB Green Bond Guidelines for the Real Estate Sector. This framework has undergone independent review and validation by a third-party consultant.
"Green bonds enable Digital Realty to align its sources of capital funding the business’ growth with its global sustainability goals. Our green bonds complement our sustainability-linked global credit facility, enhancing our ability to support our customers as they grow and scale, which helps to ensure a greener future for all,” said Aaron Binkley, VP of Sustainability at Digital Realty.
Digital Realty's sustainability efforts extend beyond green bonds. In 2020, the company joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), becoming the first global data center organisation of its size and scale to do so. As part of this commitment, Digital Realty aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030.
With over 120 data centres worldwide now matched with 100% renewable electricity, Digital Realty continues to lead the industry in sustainable data centre solutions. The company is a signatory of the European Climate Neutral Data Center Pact, further solidifying its commitment to decarbonisation. Following a third-party audit in 2023, Digital Realty received a Certificate of Conformity, certifying its adherence to the self-regulatory initiatives set out by the Pact in Europe.
Digital Realty's dedication to sustainability and its successful allocation of green bonds reaffirms its position as a leader in the industry, driving positive change and contributing to a greener future.
