Rackspace Technology steps up to the sustainability plate with ambitious energy goals

Rackspace Technology, a front-runner in hybrid cloud and AI solutions, has achieved a notable milestone by obtaining approval from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for its emissions reduction goals. These targets, aligned with the global objective to limit warming to 1.5°C, involve cutting emissions by 50% by 2032 and 90% by 2045, aiming ultimately for net-zero carbon emissions. With its ambitious targets benchmarked for 2023, Rackspace positions itself ahead in the cloud services domain.

A significant factor in the decision was the recognition of the surge in energy demands driven largely by artificial intelligence. Data centres are expected to see a doubling in energy consumption by 2030. Consequently, companies are under increased pressure from regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, to transparently disclose and reduce emissions.

Currently, Rackspace powers about 80% of its global data centres with renewable energy, and aims for 100% renewable integration through strategic alliances. This initiative aligns with Rackspace's commitment to building a sustainable digital infrastructure that supports customers' sustainability goals.

“SBTi’s validation of our net-zero targets is a significant milestone in Rackspace’s decarbonisation journey,” said Srini Koushik, President AI, Technology, and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology. “Cloud services and digital infrastructure are among the most significant factors in organisations’ supply chain and Scope 3 emissions. By setting and making progress against aggressive sustainability goals, we are not only minimising our own environmental impact but also helping our customers to achieve theirs, without sacrificing performance.”

“We recognise that building efficiency into our operations and across our global footprint will have a positive impact on our customers’ ability to meet their sustainability goals,” added Ben Blanquera, VP of Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology. “By committing to these aggressive SBTi-validated targets, we are establishing a framework for meaningful emissions reductions and underscoring our commitment to act as an environmentally responsible partner for our stakeholders, partners and clients.”

The company’s Workload Aware Modernization program exemplifies its proactive approach. It assists clients in identifying redundant cloud resources and advancing towards environmentally sustainable cloud architectures. Through serverless computing, the adoption of cloud-native solutions, and automated resource management, Rackspace enables significant reductions in both costs and environmental impact.

As organisations increasingly focus on environmental responsibility, Rackspace's approach of combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices places it as a preferred partner. Its commitment underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into organisational strategies while maintaining technological performance.