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Google Cloud Carbon Footprint Tracking

October 12, 2021
Google Cloud Carbon Footprint Tracking

Google Cloud Introduces Free Carbon Footprint Reporting

Google Cloud has unveiled a new, complimentary feature designed to furnish users with detailed reports on their carbon emissions stemming from cloud utilization.

The company has consistently stated its commitment to achieving 100% carbon-free energy operation by the year 2030. Currently, Google Cloud offsets its energy consumption through renewable energy acquisitions.

Growing Demand for Emissions Tracking

However, the drive towards sustainability extends beyond Google Cloud; a vast majority of enterprises are actively seeking methods to attain their emission reduction objectives. Accurately assessing the contribution of cloud computing to these efforts has historically proven challenging.

This new feature aims to simplify the process of reporting the environmental impact of cloud usage for businesses, facilitating both internal assessments and external disclosures.

Collaboration and Transparency

“This data empowers customers for both reporting purposes and internal carbon reduction initiatives,” explained Jenn Bennett, head of data and technology strategy for sustainability at Google Cloud’s Office of the CTO.

“Developed in partnership with clients such as HSBC, L’Oréal, and Atos, our carbon footprint reporting delivers an enhanced level of transparency, aiding customers in achieving their climate goals.”

Granular Emissions Monitoring

Customers are now able to track their cloud emissions over time, broken down by project, product, and geographical region.

This provides IT teams and developers with crucial metrics to facilitate carbon footprint reduction. While digital infrastructure emissions represent only a portion of a company’s overall environmental impact, accurate carbon accounting is vital for measuring progress towards established reduction targets.

Image Credits: Google

Future Enhancements and Recommendations

With precise reporting established, the logical progression is to offer recommendations for minimizing climate impact.

Google Cloud plans to integrate carbon estimates into its Unattended Project Recommender, assisting users in reducing idle resource consumption.

Furthermore, a sustainability impact category will be added to its Active Assist Recommender, providing further guidance.

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