Meta Restores 1.5 Billion Gallons of Water in 2024, Maintains Net Zero Emissions

In its 2024 Sustainability Report, Meta has highlighted significant strides in its environmental initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and climate action. Since achieving net zero emissions across its global operations in 2020, Meta has continued to push the boundaries of corporate environmental responsibility. A standout achievement in 2024 includes the restoration of 1.5 billion gallons of water in regions facing high and medium water stress through 18 dedicated projects.

Meta has maintained its net zero emissions status by consistently matching 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy, significantly reducing its emissions by 94% from a 2017 baseline. Rachel Peterson, Meta’s Vice President of Infrastructure Data Centers, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting the critical role of renewable energy in their operations.

Beyond carbon emissions, Meta’s water restoration projects reflect a broader goal to give back more water than it consumes by 2030, addressing the growing concerns over water scarcity in various regions. This initiative aligns with Meta’s ambition to support the communities it operates in and contribute positively to global environmental challenges.

Meta is also a global leader in renewable energy procurement, with over 11.7 gigawatts (GW) of contracted renewable energy, making it one of the largest corporate buyers in the world. This massive investment not only supports Meta’s operations but also drives the global transition towards renewable energy. Meta’s new data centers, optimized for AI and featuring advanced cooling technologies, are designed with future flexibility in mind, contributing to both operational efficiency and long-term decarbonization goals.

Recognizing that achieving a zero-carbon future requires collaboration, Meta is actively working with various stakeholders, including sustainability experts, researchers, and nonprofits. Initiatives like the Zero Emissions | Reliability Optimized Grid Initiative (ZEROgrid) demonstrate Meta’s commitment to fostering corporate climate investments and enhancing grid reliability.

Despite these advancements, Meta acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2030. The company remains dedicated to evolving its strategies and exploring innovative climate solutions, as emphasized by Blair Swedeen, Meta’s Global Head of Net Zero and Sustainability, and Leslie Collins, Director of Sustainability.

Meta’s 2024 Sustainability Report underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to not only operate responsibly but also to positively impact global environmental challenges through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.