Nxtra by Airtel, one of India's foremost data center companies, has made a significant stride in environmental sustainability by joining the RE100 initiative, a global movement led by Climate Group in partnership with CDP. By committing to sourcing 100% renewable electricity, Nxtra underscores its dedication to sustainability and its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2031. This milestone makes Nxtra the first data center organization in India to pledge to RE100 and the 14th Indian company to reach this benchmark.
Nxtra's commitment to renewable energy is evident in its substantial increase in renewable energy usage. The company has contracted 422,000 MWh of renewable energy to date. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, Nxtra saved approximately 156,595 metric tons of CO2e emissions by utilizing renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Captive Solar Rooftop Plants. This demonstrates Nxtra's proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting sustainable energy practices.
Ashish Arora, CEO of Nxtra by Airtel, emphasized the company's dedication to environmental responsibility. He stated, "We are an environmentally responsible brand and have been increasingly adopting clean energy alternatives. We are on a healthy trajectory towards achieving our net-zero goals of 2031 and are happy to become a part of the RE100 initiative with a commitment to 100% renewable electricity."
Atul Mudaliar, Director of Systems Change – India, praised Nxtra's efforts, highlighting the importance of addressing emissions in the data center industry. "Despite being highly energy-intensive, data centers are often overlooked for their emissions. It is inspiring to see Nxtra taking the lead in adopting best practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Nxtra’s initiative to source renewable energy for their operations will be a fitting example for data center companies to accelerate the journey to a cleaner future. We are delighted to welcome Nxtra by Airtel to RE100."
Nxtra's commitment to sustainability is integrated into its core business operations, aligning with its mission to be 'Responsible by Choice and Sustainable by Design.' The company employs a multifaceted approach that combines technological innovation, operational excellence, and comprehensive interventions to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Nxtra has adopted several measures to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its operations, setting a clear path towards achieving net-zero emissions by FY2031.
By joining the RE100 initiative, Nxtra not only sets a precedent for other data center companies but also contributes significantly to the global effort of combating climate change. The company's dedication to renewable energy and sustainability reflects its commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future. This initiative highlights the critical role of data centers in the transition to renewable energy and sets an example for other organizations to follow.
Nxtra by Airtel's pledge to RE100 and its efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions demonstrate its leadership in environmental sustainability. As the company continues to implement innovative solutions and best practices, it paves the way for a more sustainable and responsible data center industry in India and beyond.
