Google Declares Its Efforts to Be Sustainable in Arizona
Google is dedicated to creating a more eco-friendly future in Arizona. They are concentrating on two main areas: bringing clean energy to the state and supporting the Mesa community.
Eco-friendly Energy for Arizona
As Google expands its infrastructure in Arizona with the construction of their first data center in Mesa, they are still focused on sustainability. The data center uses air-cooled technology to minimize its impact on the environment.
To further show their dedication, Google announced an energy supply agreement with Salt River Project (SRP). This agreement supports the addition of over 430 megawatts of energy without carbon emissions to Arizona’s electricity grid. This is expected to help Google’s Arizona operations achieve at least 80% carbon-free energy on an hourly basis by 2026.
The new agreement includes a mix of wind and solar power, as well as battery storage, from facilities operated by NextEra Energy Resources. Google emphasizes that they are not just offsetting their energy use, but actively contributing to Arizona’s shift to clean energy. This collaboration is seen as a significant step towards achieving Google’s ambitious goal of running their entire business on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Supporting the Mesa Community
Apart from initiatives for clean energy, Google is also dedicated to supporting the Mesa community. Their efforts include planting trees and improving access to higher education.
Google joined forces with Mesa’s Shade Tree Program to plant 600 new trees each year through four tree-planting workshops. Planting trees provides shade, reduces home energy bills, supports local food production, and enhances biodiversity.
In addition, Google donated $100,000 to support the Mesa College Promise program. This program provides qualified high school students and adult learners with free tuition and additional support services for two years at Mesa College.
Looking Ahead
Google’s Mesa data center will be up and running in 2025, and their dedication to Arizona goes beyond these initial programs. They plan to continue working with SRP on making the grid more eco-friendly, investing in local programs, and contributing to the overall economic development of the area.
