Meta Restores 1.5 Billion Gallons of Water in 2024, Maintaining Net Zero Emissions

Net Zero Emissions: Since 2020, Meta has maintained net zero emissions and is committed to achieving net zero across its entire value chain by 2030.

Water Restoration Efforts: Through 18 projects, Meta has restored 1.5 billion gallons of water in areas facing high and medium water stress.

Renewable Energy Leadership: Meta stands as a leading corporate buyer of renewable energy, with over 11.7 GW of renewable energy contracted globally.

Meta’s Commitment to Sustainability

In its 2024 Sustainability Report, Meta reaffirms its dedication to a sustainable future, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy use. Since 2020, the company has maintained net zero emissions across its global operations by matching 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy.

Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Infrastructure Data Centers, stated, “Since 2020, we have achieved net zero emissions in our global operations, reducing our emissions by 94% from a 2017 baseline, primarily by matching 100% of the electricity use in our data centers and offices with renewable energy.”

Meta's sustainability efforts extend beyond carbon reduction. The company has completed 18 water restoration projects, returning 1.5 billion gallons of water to regions experiencing high and medium water stress. This is part of Meta's broader goal to restore more water than it consumes by 2030.

Leading the Way in Renewable Energy

Meta has become a leader in renewable energy procurement, with over 11.7 GW of contracted renewable energy, making it one of the largest corporate buyers globally. This commitment not only reduces Meta's operational emissions but also drives the transition to renewable energy across various regions.

“Our new data centers will be AI-optimized, supporting liquid-cooled hardware and a high-performance network,” added Peterson. “We are designing our data centers to be flexible for the future while considering both short- and long-term impacts on our decarbonization efforts.”

Collaborating for Climate Solutions

Meta recognizes that a zero-carbon future requires collaboration across industries. The company partners with sustainability experts, researchers, utilities, nonprofits, and other organizations to develop innovative solutions for a climate-resilient future. Initiatives like the Zero Emissions | Reliability Optimized Grid Initiative (ZEROgrid) aim to foster corporate climate investments and enhance grid reliability.

“Sustainability at Meta goes beyond responsible operations; it’s about supporting communities and making a positive global impact,” said Blair Swedeen, Global Head of Net Zero and Sustainability, and Leslie Collins, Director of Sustainability. “Our scale allows us to influence decarbonization, expand renewable energy, and uphold the integrity of climate solutions.”

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Commitments

Despite significant progress, Meta acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in achieving net zero value chain emissions by 2030. The company remains committed to its science-based emissions reduction targets and continues working towards sustainable climate solutions in partnership with various stakeholders.

“Our approach will evolve as we transform our business and explore new climate solutions,” Peterson emphasized. “This report highlights our 2023 progress and outlines the challenges we face in 2024 and beyond.”

Meta’s 2024 Sustainability Report underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to build a sustainable future, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to reducing environmental impact.