Although this is not “Breaking News,” take a look at a statement on Google’s web site: “With hundreds of millions of Google users, it takes extensive computer infrastructure to keep our tools and services running. And that takes a lot of electricity. Generating that electricity requires energy, and as our business grows, we want to make sure we minimize our impact on the Earth’s climate. So we’re taking every step we can to produce electricity using renewable energy resources that don’t add to the production of greenhouse gas emissions.”
What does this mean? Well when you think of all the data centers Google operates, with more on the horizon, it is refreshing to see that the worlds largest search giant is doing all it can to eliminate wasted energy. Last year they launched RE<C, which stands for “Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal.”
This initiative is designed to develop electricity from renewable energy sources, supposed to be cheaper than electricity made from coal.
Google Uses Renewable Energy?
If you take a look at this image, notice the sign behind the solar panels…Nope, this is not photo shopped, they have a 1.6 megawatt (MW) solar panel installation that distributes 30% of the peak power so as to fuel the GooglePlex buildings in California. They claim that not only does this reduce their carbon footprint, the solar panels make good business sense; these panels should pay for themselves in about 7 ½ years.
Google plans on sinking Millions into “Geo Thermal Energy Technologies” to forge a path to cut US energy needs in homes, and more. Is it possible for Google to become a US leader in sustainable communities too?
Take a look at this CNN video report:
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August 27th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
It’s great to see a large well-known company like Google taking steps to be environmentally friendly. That’s great, because they have power in being seen by many - and can influence through their actions.
The company I work for installed LED lighting when we moved into a new building a year ago. One of the big benefits was in power consumption savings.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Lance, you are correct. They can, and will provide plenty of notoriety for this endeavor. LED lighting is totally a great way to save energy, good for that company. Have you heard about the new store that opened up in New Jersey called “Green Depot?” It’s a mini ‘Home Depot’….It’s coming…
Thanks again Lance
August 27th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I watched the Video and am impressed with the direction Google is taking. As the article says, ” Google plans on sinking Millions into “Geo Thermal Energy Technologies” to forge a path to cut US energy needs in homes, and more.”
I certainly share your belief Google is a USA leader, which will eventually direct more attention to sustainable communities.
Thanks, Don
September 13th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Google sure is doing a lot of things right and it’s great to see them push forward with solar. It would great to see other companies follow Google’s efforts and offset the high cost of energy. Once the new Chevy Volt comes out, employees can plug-in cars while at work and recharge for the daily commute. That would be an added bonus of working at google.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Impressive news! I feel this is the beginning of a ‘Green Revolution’ when a company as large as Google goes green.
The part that hints at this in the article,.. “Google plans on sinking Millions into “Geo Thermal Energy Technologies” to forge a path to cut US energy needs in homes, and more.”
Yes, I think your right when you ask, “Is it possible for Google to become a US leader in sustainable communities too?”
This is a great blog, I’ve bookmarked it.
Lealand
September 17th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Scott,
They sure are, more than I realized. Google no doubt has the money, but also a green influence with being so reputable, it will be interesting to see how much of a leader they can be with sustainable communities, and reducing carbon footprint.
Thanks Scott!