Google’s Big Push: Renewable Energy Consumption In 2017
Tech giant and search leader Google has announced plans to shift all energy use toward renewable sources during 2017, and it claims it will reach its 100% target during the coming twelve months. A blog post by the Google team announced the near arrival of this 100% milestone at the end of 2016 with expectations of reaching the full target in 2017, and the company has committed to buying enough renewable energy per year to cover every office, data centre and corporate premises operated across the world under the Google brand.
The company explained its reasons for taking the renewable energy path in a press conference after the announcement. Renewable energy is good for the planet – and it could also be the cheaper option for companies. “This is about locking in prices for us in the long term. Increasingly, renewable energy is the lowest cost option,” said Google’s energy lead Marc Oman. The company also recognises that climate change is a growing threat, and says it hopes to do its part in turning around the current decline in global conditions.
Setting Trends For The Private And Commercial Markets
Google’s influence over consumers and over other businesses is impressive. A recent marketing survey by OZCodes found that 99% of its users have searched Google at least once in their lifetime and that 84% of respondents had used at least one Google service other than the search engine itself, such as their satellite maps, their mobile phones or their VR products.
The company is becoming something of a trendsetter in terms of technology as well. Once just a simple search engine (and still the world’s most popular search platform today), the brand is also an important name in everything from self-driving cars to smart homes and cybersecurity tech. Google can count big names in electronics and software like Amazon, Apple and Android among its near rivals, and rapid expansion over the past decade has led to the diversification of its services and products: with some incredible successes.
For these reasons, all eyes are on Google whenever it takes a big action. This recent shift toward renewable energy is likely to catch on and be adopted by other companies, especially if the figures look good after the first year of operation. With growing concerns about the global climate and pressure on big businesses to do their bit, Google’s example will be welcomed and many will be hoping that other companies soon follow suit. “Google is charting a course for other corporations,” said environmentalist Jodie Van Horn. When it comes to renewable energy trends for 2017 , Google is right at the forefront.
Other Companies Chasing The 100% Goal
The race for renewables has been underway for some time, and Google’s big rival in the mobile and computing sector is catching up. Apple is at a 93% level for its own use of sustainable energy. There has been no official confirmation on whether the target has been reached yet, but they cannot be far behind Google in achieving fully renewable power.
Facebook is another large tech company who plan to switch to sustainable sources for all energy they use. The social networking business has set itself a target of 100%, a goal it shares with furniture store Ikea and coffee shop Starbucks. During 2017, expect many other international companies to jump on board and start working toward their own 100% energy targets, due to a growing awareness of environmental responsibility among corporations.
What Google’s Pledge Means For The Company
Google has already made clear that it wants to use alternative forms of power wherever it can. The electric cars being developed by the company are designed with efficiency in mind. Many Google offices and buildings already use solar power where possible, and in 2016 almost half of the energy used by the business was bought from wind and solar farms.
The promise of 100% renewable energy refers to the purchase of power by Google. It will now source all of the company’s power from sustainable sources. This will include current wind and solar contracts, but it will be expanded to include other power generation methods. These could include:
● Hydroelectricity
● Thermal energy production
● Energy recycling
● Use of biomass
● Nuclear energy
That last point is a controversial one, but like many corporations and governments across the world, Google is keeping the benefits of nuclear power in mind when planning for the future. The new generation of sustainable nuclear energy production involves far less waste and a greater focus on safety for the environment, and despite the obvious dangers it could be a cheap and practical way to meet the growing demands for power – especially if combined with a rise in renewable energy forms.
“We’re looking at all forms of low-carbon generation,” a Google spokesperson confirmed. “Today we can’t positively say there are nuclear projects out there that meet our criteria… We don’t want to rule out signing a nuclear contract if it meets our goals.”
The Future Of Google’s Energy Policy
Google has stated that it hopes to exceed the 100% target it has set for itself, and find itself in the position to sell energy back, support the local communities it works in, and perhaps generate a profit from the policy as well. However, the company also recognises the challenges ahead. The demand for data centres and for staffed offices is growing, and the more expansion undertaken by the brand, the greater the need for power.
Even when the 100% target is reached, the group will have to strive to keep their need for energy at a manageable level: or be prepared to invest further in these renewable energy forms. The addition of brands and products, the growth of current services and the research arm of the business will all need more power in the future. Despite these challenges, it looks like a promising year ahead for the search giant and the world is hoping that other companies get on board as well.