During the years 2018 and 2019, Varsity Technologies embarked on an ambitious phase of its sustainability journey, targeting the areas of its highest carbon emissions. The company identified that the primary sources of its carbon footprint were associated with driving hybrid vehicles, data center services, and the technology equipment in use. Recognizing the need for more aggressive action to meet its sustainability goals, Varsity Technologies undertook significant investments in equipment and systems designed to further reduce its emissions. This section outlines the transformative steps taken by the company to deepen its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Building a Green, Renewable Energy Data Center
One of the most impactful initiatives was the development of a completely green, renewable energy-powered data center. Data centers are critical for the operations of modern businesses but are also significant energy consumers, often relying on non-renewable power sources that contribute to high carbon emissions. In response, Varsity Technologies invested in creating a data center that operates entirely on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This move not only significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint but also set a new standard for sustainable data center operations. The green data center became a cornerstone of Varsity Technologies’ environmental strategy, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of renewable energy in high-demand tech environments.
Transitioning to All-Electric Vehicles
Another major step was the transition from hybrid to all-electric vehicles within the company fleet. While hybrid vehicles were an improvement over traditional gasoline-powered cars, all-electric vehicles offer a zero-emission alternative, further reducing the company’s carbon footprint. This transition reflected Varsity Technologies’ commitment to adopting the most advanced and sustainable transportation solutions available. By investing in all-electric vehicles, the company not only minimized its environmental impact but also contributed to the growing demand for clean, electric transportation, encouraging broader market shifts towards sustainability.
Selecting Low Power-Consuming Technology
Varsity Technologies also focused on minimizing the energy consumption of its technology equipment. The company made deliberate choices to select hardware that featured the lowest power consumption available, including displays and other computing hardware. These selections were guided by the highest manufacturing standards for sustainability, such as EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) and ENERGY STAR certifications. EPEAT is a comprehensive environmental rating that helps identify greener electronic equipment, while ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency. By prioritizing these standards, Varsity Technologies ensured that its technology investments were aligned with its environmental objectives, reducing energy use and contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The aggressive changes made by Varsity Technologies in 2018 and 2019 to further reduce its carbon emissions reflect a deep and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. By building a green, renewable energy data center, transitioning to all-electric vehicles, and selecting low power-consuming technology equipment, the company significantly advanced its sustainability goals. These initiatives not only reduced Varsity Technologies’ environmental impact but also showcased innovative approaches to achieving sustainability in the tech industry. Through these efforts, Varsity Technologies continued to demonstrate leadership and commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
