Google Cloud reports its carbon footprint to its customers

The Challenge

Empowering users to limit their cloud carbon footprint

Cloud computing is an increasing driver of global business operations and innovation. But this growth also means an increased focus on the environmental impact of cloud computing, which creates challenges for measuring datacenter emissions at every hour and in locations all around the world.

By taking the lead in driving the transition to '24/7 carbon-free energy', Google seeks to not only decarbonize its own operational energy use but also to empower its customers to limit their carbon footprint and participate in positive change.

The Solution

Hourly emissions data to measure and reduce emissions

Partnering with Electricity Maps gives Google Cloud customers a way to monitor their cloud emissions over time — giving IT teams and developers the high quality metrics they need to monitor, improve, and reduce their carbon emissions.

Google Cloud uses Electricity Maps to provide hourly emissions data for its Carbon Footprint Report. This allows Google Cloud customers to see their carbon footprint based on their usage of Google Cloud's regions, calculated using location-based hourly grid emissions.

In addition, its Region Picker, allows Google Cloud customers to select the cloud regions where their computing tasks are run, suggesting locations with lower carbon emissions.

Key Tools & Features

Carbon Footprint Calculator

• Hourly emissions data: Powered by Electricity Maps for accurate, time-based calculations

• Usage-based calculations: Carbon footprint based on actual Google Cloud region usage

• Location-based methodology: Uses location-based hourly grid emissions for precise measurements

• Monitoring capabilities: Allows customers to monitor cloud emissions over time

• Quality metrics: Provides IT teams and developers with high-quality sustainability metrics

Region Picker

• Smart location selection: Helps customers choose cloud regions with lower carbon emissions

• Emissions-based recommendations: Suggests optimal locations based on carbon intensity

• Real-time guidance: Enables informed decision-making for computing task placement

• Environmental optimization: Balances performance needs with sustainability goals

Business Value

For IT Teams & Developers

• High-quality metrics: Reliable data for monitoring and improving carbon emissions

• Actionable insights: Clear information to guide sustainability decisions

• Integration capabilities: Seamlessly incorporated into existing cloud workflows

• Performance optimization: Balance sustainability with operational requirements

For Organizations

• Emissions monitoring: Track cloud carbon footprint over time

• Sustainability reporting: Accurate data for environmental reporting requirements

• Carbon reduction: Tools to actively reduce cloud-related emissions

• Competitive advantage: Leadership in sustainable cloud practices

Technical Implementation

Data Integration

• Hourly granularity: Real-time emissions data from Electricity Maps

• Global coverage: Support for Google Cloud regions worldwide

• Location-based calculations: Precise grid emissions data for each region

• Automated updates: Continuous data refresh for accurate reporting

User Experience

• Carbon Footprint Report: Comprehensive view of cloud emissions over time

• Region selection guidance: Clear recommendations for lower-emission regions

• Dashboard integration: Built into Google Cloud console for easy access

• Developer-friendly: APIs and tools for programmatic access

Supporting Resources

Educational Content

Video: "Measure and reduce your IT carbon emissions"

• Learn more about Google Cloud's carbon footprint tools

• Comprehensive overview of sustainability features

• Best practices for cloud carbon management

Strategic Impact

Customer Empowerment

• Sustainability participation: Enables customers to participate in positive environmental change

• Informed decision-making: Data-driven choices for cloud resource allocation

• Competitive differentiation: Advanced sustainability tools not available elsewhere

• Scalable solutions: Tools that work for organizations of all sizes

Industry Leadership

• 24/7 carbon-free energy: Leading the transition to sustainable cloud computing

• Transparency: Open approach to emissions data and measurement

• Innovation: Cutting-edge tools for cloud sustainability management

• Partnership: Collaboration with Electricity Maps for best-in-class data

Use Cases

• Enterprise sustainability teams: Comprehensive cloud emissions tracking and reporting

• IT operations: Optimizing cloud deployments for both performance and sustainability

• Development teams: Integrating carbon considerations into application architecture

• Compliance teams: Meeting environmental reporting and regulatory requirements

• Procurement teams: Making informed decisions about cloud resource allocation

Are you ready to reach your sustainability goals? Contact us today.