Operating sustainably
See how we’re showing the way forward through our own operations.
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We’ve set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions across all of our operations and value chain by 20301
Learn moreWe aim to replenish more freshwater than we consume and help improve water quality and ecosystem health in the communities where we operate.
Learn moreTracking our progress
We believe it is critical to regularly track our progress and be transparent with what we’ve accomplished and where we’re going.
Our reports
To scale impact, we have created tools and case studies to help others adopt some of the approaches that have worked for us.9
2022 • General
Accelerating Climate Action at Google and Beyond: A Progress Update
1 We are aiming to reduce 50% of our combined absolute Scope 1, 2 (market-based), and 3 absolute greenhouse gas emissions when compared to a 2019 base year, and planning to invest in nature-based and technology-based carbon removal solutions to neutralize our remaining emissions.2 Carbon-free energy is any type of electricity generation that doesn’t directly emit carbon dioxide, including (but not limited to) solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear. Sustainable biomass and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are special cases considered on a case-by-case basis, but are often also considered carbon-free energy sources.3 Scope: Annual freshwater replenished at our offices and Google-owned and -operated data centers, excluding seawater and reclaimed wastewater.4 Annual operational waste for all Google-owned and -operated data centers globally. “Zero Waste to Landfill” means that more than 90% of waste is diverted from landfill. When possible, we strive to align measurement of waste diversion at our data centers with the UL Environment Standard 2799 Environmental Claim Validation Procedure for Zero Waste to Landfill.5 Based on operational Google-owned data centers that reported waste data in 2022.6 Based on (A) total plastic weight of Google Pixel, Nest, and Chromecast products manufactured in 2022 and (B) Fitbit products launched and manufactured in 2022. Does not include standalone accessory products other than Pixel phone cases, and Pixel Watch Active, Stretch, and Woven bands. This does not include plastics in printed circuit boards, labels, cables, connectors, electronic components and modules, optical components, electrostatic discharge (ESD) components, electromagnetic interference (EMI) components, films, coatings and adhesives.7 Based on total weight of new Google Pixel, Nest, Chromecast, and Fitbit retail packaging (excluding adhesive materials) for products launched and manufactured in 2022, as shipped by Google. To meet the request of some clients, plastic stickers are applied to some packaging variations. Does not include stand-alone accessory products other than Pixel phone cases, and Pixel Watch Active, Stretch, and Woven bands.8 We define “Zero Waste to Landfill” as minimizing waste generation and maximizing the reuse of products and materials as much as possible while diverting 90% or more of solid waste from landfills.9 Sustainability has been a core value for Google since our founding, and our environmental reporting and thinking has evolved over the years. Please refer to our latest Environmental Report for our most current methodology and approach.
