In a connected world, our industry provides vital services to the progress of humanity. But we also bear a great responsibility to our communities and our planet. Our industry today is responsible for about two percent of the world’s global carbon emissions – a number that’s expected to grow in tandem with data center expansion. If we wish to leave the world a better place, we must prioritize building essential infrastructure to connect our global community while keeping sustainability at the core of our actions.
Committing to Ambitious – and Validated – Sustainability Goals
In this vein, sustainability initiatives outlined in our latest Sustainability Report demonstrate our commitment to connecting what’s next in a responsible way. Zayo is committing to reaching net-zero emissions targets by 2030 – an ambitious goal validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). This validation underscores Zayo’s dedication to combating climate change by aligning its targets with the Paris Agreement’s science, marking it a pivotal milestone.
Our sustainability initiatives also include a comprehensive approach to abating 100% of our energy consumption by using green energy sources and purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). We’re also actively reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by consolidating facility sites and upgrading technologies in building management. And these efforts are being recognized: Zayo’s CDP score measuring overall planet impact rose from a B- to a B over the past year and our supplier engagement and governance score lept from a B- to an A in 2023.
At Zayo, we’ve made sustainability and corporate responsibility a core part of our business strategy.
Jeff Noto, Chief Financial Officer, Zayo
“At Zayo, we’ve made sustainability and corporate responsibility a core part of our business strategy. In 2022, we committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, which has been recognized globally by SBTi this year,” said Jeff Noto, Chief Financial Officer at Zayo. “Zayo’s 2023 Sustainability Report demonstrates how our ESG initiatives directly contribute to the company’s purpose to connect what’s next and how, by prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and connection, we’ve unlocked significant innovation and growth opportunities.”
Register for the Webinar: Toward a Sustainable Future: Net-Zero by 2030
ESG Highlights from Our 2023 Report
Zayo’s 2023 Sustainability Report includes a full overview of efforts in environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Here are a few highlights from this year’s report:
- Expanding the use of green fiber in Zayo’s network: Zayo’s ‘green’ fiber network lowers energy consumption and reduces energy load over copper and cable. In 2023, Zayo deployed a high-capacity core platform for our IP backbone, which will realize an estimated 88% reduction in power consumption to transmit the same amount of data as Zayo’s prior generation network.
- Enhancing connectivity for underserved communities: Zayo was the only national provider awarded a $92.9 million NTIA grant to bridge the digital divide. The funding will be directed toward three separate projects, across eight states and more than 2,100 route miles, granting even the most remote areas access to vital high-speed internet connectivity.
- Empowering underrepresented voices in STEM fields: Zayo is partnering with the international nonprofit organization Girls Who Code to close the gender gap in technology and increase the number of women in computer science and engineering.
By prioritizing individual development and fostering a culture of learning, we not only attract and retain top talent but also build a stronger company that’s dedicated to serving others.
Julie Tschida Brown, Chief People and Culture Officer, Zayo
“Zayo’s success in 2023 was driven by our efforts to drive change within our communities, such as continued investments in initiatives such as empowering women in STEM and closing the digital divide for underserved areas, among others,” said Julie Tschida Brown, Chief People and Culture Officer at Zayo. “By prioritizing individual development and fostering a culture of learning, we not only attract and retain top talent but also build a stronger company that’s dedicated to serving others.”
In an era where environmental practices are paramount for businesses driving digital evolution, Zayo continues to hold itself accountable for sustainability success within the communications infrastructure community and beyond.
Join Us in Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow
Zayo’s 2023 Sustainability Report encapsulates our company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, social empowerment, and corporate governance. Through the efforts outlined in our report, we aim to set an example in our industry and offset the negative impact we have on our environment while leaving the world a better, more connected place.