Synopsis:AWS is pioneering the use of lower-carbon concrete and steel in the construction of its data centers. These efforts extend across its supply chain, resulting in the construction of 43 data centers using these materials, saving over 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in 2023 alone. The company focuses on "designing-out" excess materials, testing lower-carbon cement alternatives, encouraging suppliers to adopt lower-carbon steel, and investing in innovative technologies to further reduce carbon emissions.Article:AWS continuously reevaluates the design criteria for its facilities, reducing the overall amount of materials, including steel and cement. Innovations like rethinking air systems in data centers have led to significant carbon savings.Cement accounts for about 90% of embodied carbon in concrete. AWS collaborates with suppliers to test lower-carbon cement alternatives, ensuring strength and performance standards are met. The use of byproducts and Portland-Limestone Cement can reduce carbon emissions significantly.AWS advocates for the use of electric-arc furnaces (EAF) for steel production, which relies on scrap steel and renewable energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to basic oxygen furnaces (BOF). Utilizing higher-strength structural steel further reduces carbon footprints.AWS invests in innovative technologies through the Climate Pledge Fund, supporting startups like Brimstone and Electra, which are developing lower-carbon construction materials. These investments aim to bridge the innovation gap and accelerate the transition to greener construction practices.Conclusion:As a leader in the tech industry, AWS is not only committed to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions but also to mitigating the environmental impact of its infrastructure. By embracing lower-carbon construction materials and encouraging industry-wide adoption, AWS sets a remarkable precedent for a sustainable future.
Synopsis:AWS is pioneering the use of lower-carbon concrete and steel in the construction of its data centers. These efforts extend across its supply chain, resulting in the construction of 43 data centers using these materials, saving over 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in 2023 alone. The company focuses on "designing-out" excess materials, testing lower-carbon cement alternatives, encouraging suppliers to adopt lower-carbon steel, and investing in innovative technologies to further reduce carbon emissions.Article:AWS continuously reevaluates the design criteria for its facilities, reducing the overall amount of materials, including steel and cement. Innovations like rethinking air systems in data centers have led to significant carbon savings.Cement accounts for about 90% of embodied carbon in concrete. AWS collaborates with suppliers to test lower-carbon cement alternatives, ensuring strength and performance standards are met. The use of byproducts and Portland-Limestone Cement can reduce carbon emissions significantly.AWS advocates for the use of electric-arc furnaces (EAF) for steel production, which relies on scrap steel and renewable energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to basic oxygen furnaces (BOF). Utilizing higher-strength structural steel further reduces carbon footprints.AWS invests in innovative technologies through the Climate Pledge Fund, supporting startups like Brimstone and Electra, which are developing lower-carbon construction materials. These investments aim to bridge the innovation gap and accelerate the transition to greener construction practices.Conclusion:As a leader in the tech industry, AWS is not only committed to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions but also to mitigating the environmental impact of its infrastructure. By embracing lower-carbon construction materials and encouraging industry-wide adoption, AWS sets a remarkable precedent for a sustainable future.
