• With the RED program, Equinix has made great strides in striking a balance between protecting sensitive data, protecting the environment and regaining financial value.
  • As a founding signatory of the Climate Neutral Data Center Agreement (CNDCP), Equinix works with more than 100 data center operators and trade associations to support the goals of the European Green Deal.
  • Equinix has been working hard to ensure that IT assets are on a more circular and beneficial path.

On April 22nd, Earth Day is observed worldwide, with this year’s theme revolving around “Earth and Plastic.” This occasion prompts reflection on how we can make wiser decisions regarding the materials we use—be it plastic, metal, or others—to minimize our impact on the planet and human health. In the IT industry, responsible asset disposal is a crucial component of this equation. Equinix has been steadfast in its efforts to ensure IT assets tread a more circular and beneficial path.

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Amidst the whirlwind of innovation and evolving customer needs, modern enterprises are embracing higher density solutions and embracing the latest advancements in memory, disks, and processors. However, this progress begs the question: what becomes of the surplus and outdated equipment? Equinix answers with its Responsible Electronic Disposal (RED) program, designed to carefully navigate the lifecycle of electronic assets. By doing so, Equinix aims to mitigate environmental footprints, sidestep security risks, and recoup value from IT investments.

An excellent asset disposal strategy

As businesses strive towards progressive sustainability goals throughout their value chains, responsible asset disposal is becoming increasingly crucial. When disposing of assets, companies must consider data exposure risks, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from the handling and transport of end-of-life (EOL) assets, GHG emissions avoided through secure refurbishment and resale, and the financial returns on assets.

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Data security takes precedence. At Equinix, collaboration between information security and procurement teams spans across business functions to ensure that Equinix’s global asset cleaning and destruction standards align with internal data protocols. Additional physical and virtual handling requirements are also specified for Equinix’s supplier partners. These principles are integrated into the selection and management of suppliers, ensuring their adherence to Equinix’s framework for security, sustainability, and financial aspects.

Nearly all electronic products in data centers contain rare earth materials, which are limited in quantity and can be difficult and expensive to obtain. It is crucial not to waste these materials. Ideally, we should move away from the linear mindset of “acquire-manufacture-use-dispose” and actively engage in the circular economy. When assets reach their usable lifespan, Equinix evaluates them to identify which assets can be safely refurbished and resold, internally reused, or recycled to recover critical components. This enables the reintegration of embedded carbon and raw materials into the market. Equinix’s goal is to only send truly non-reusable or non-recyclable items to landfill. The emissions associated with refurbishing and remarketing assets differ significantly from those associated with recycling, and this must be factored into the company’s carbon footprint.

An effective asset disposal framework allows for a balanced approach to fulfill all three responsibilities: protecting sensitive data, preserving the environment, and delivering financial value for stakeholders. Equinix has made significant strides in achieving this equilibrium through the RED program.

Circular economy projects made progress

Equinix recognizes the crucial and challenging task of creating a balanced asset disposal plan that addresses all three priorities. This is the driving force behind Equinix’s creation of the RED project. The goal is to evaluate every electronic product owned by Equinix that has reached its end-of-life stage, whether in computing, networking, or storage, to determine how it can continue to serve its highest and best purpose after leaving our possession.

As a founding signatory of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact (CNDCP), Equinix collaborates with over 100 data center operators and trade associations to support the objectives of the European Green Deal. The CNDCP aims to establish the necessary green infrastructure to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In line with the CNDCP’s targets, we are striving to increase the percentage of Equinix-owned infrastructure resold through the RED program.

A long-term plan

Circular, is just one practice of Equinix’s sustainability strategy.

Equinix is committed to implementing optimal practices in the circular economy across the entire company, a process that is both long-term and continuous. The company aims to further develop the RED initiative into a global programme that consistently aligns with business objectives and industry standards.

The RED initiative, open to all employees, saw active participation during last year’s Earth Day activities. Equinix encouraged employees to return company-owned equipment for responsible disposal across 15 different data center sites. Equinix maintains accurate records of the quantity collected and the carbon emissions avoided by diverting materials from landfills.

About Equinix

Equinix is a global digital infrastructure company. Digital leaders leverage Equinix’s trusted platform to integrate and interconnect infrastructure at software speed. Equinix gives organizations access to all the right locations, partners, and possibilities to scale nimbly, accelerate the rollout of digital services, deliver world-class experiences, and multiply their value, all while supporting their sustainability goals.