In 2018 we set an industry first by joining the RE100 pledge and committing to source 100% of our total electricity usage with renewable energy by the end of 2021. A few years and one historic merger later, we’ve achieved that goal.
RESULTS
Source 100% of our total electricity usage with renewable energy.
Through December 31, 2021, we have sourced 100% of our electricity usage from renewable sources and plan to continue to match future electricity consumption needs through renewable energy investments.
We’re going all in to mobilize for a thriving planet.
To change wireless for good, we must constantly look for ways to make sustainable choices that benefit our customers and the planet. Responsibly managing our energy use is an opportunity to make a huge difference for our environment and within our industry. Energy powers our entire business—including our Un-carrier network, our stores, our offices, and more. That’s why we’re committed to using energy more efficiently and sourcing it more sustainably.
When we source our electricity from renewable energy, like wind and sunlight, we know that not only will those sources never run out, but they also aren’t releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process—and that’s good for people and the planet. Hitting our renewable energy goal is only one of the milestones on our path to building a more connected and sustainable future. And we won’t stop.
How do we achieve 100% renewable electricity?
Our energy comes from purchasing electricity from the U.S. electric grid, which is powered by a variety of energy sources, including renewable resources that are tracked using Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). We are committed to funding the creation of new, clean power projects, including large-scale wind and solar farms—and acquiring RECs in a variety of ways. Our 2021 renewable energy portfolio included a mix of Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, a green direct tariff, retail renewable agreements, community solar projects, and unbundled RECs to complement our energy reduction efforts.
Investing in renewable energy across the country.
In 2021, Maryneal Windpower and White Mesa Wind Farm, two of the renewable energy projects we support through VPPAs, became operational. One of the benefits of these investments is that our energy purchasing power is helping to drive demand for clean energy and bring more renewable energy to the U.S. power grid.
See our work with Red Dirt Wind Farm.
Minimizing waste, maximizing efficiencies.
The Un-carrier Network: Higher data speeds. Less power used.
Our Un-carrier network uses up the biggest share of our total power use. As we continue to expand our network footprint and improve performance, our energy team is continuously researching and designing innovative ways to boost its efficiency and optimize its operation.
As the data carried by our network continues to increase, we're rolling out more energy efficient technologies, and our energy consumption per petabyte of data has steadily declined.
Our new low-band spectrum increases our service area, works better inside buildings than mid-band spectrum, and improves coverage, all while significantly increasing network efficiency.
And, we're implementing new technologies that reduce the demands of heating and cooling our cellular equipment.
Creating and using less across our facilities.
We go beyond an energy-efficient network—all our facilities are participating in initiatives to conserve energy and create less waste. As we redesign and upgrade them, we’re using energy-wise features such as LED lighting and making heating and cooling upgrades to reduce energy use. We’ve also invested in the Puget Sound Energy Green Direct program, which draws clean energy from wind and solar projects in Washington State, allowing us to source enough renewable electricity to power
LEED-Certified.
Vegas, this is how it's done. The
Reducing waste and recycling across our entire business.
We’ve reduced paper receipts, direct mail advertising, and customer bills, while still maintaining the same level of access and communication with our customers. We continue to recycle office waste, paper, IT and Network e-waste. And, we compost at our Bellevue, WA, and Overland Park, KS, campuses and other buildings.
Learn how we're turning commitments into action.
Reaching net-zero by 2040.
