Technology
Electricity use spurring data centers’ growing water footprint: Ceres
A new Ceres report shows that data centers in seven major U.S. states indirectly consume approximately 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater due to electricity use, making electricity their largest source of water consumption. The report projects that by 2030, indirect water use by data centers could rise to between 4.1 trillion and 7.6 trillion gallons, and recommends that companies incorporate water use in power procurement into risk assessments.
Tesla looks to build $10B solar cell manufacturing site in Texas
Tesla proposes to build a $10.1 billion solar cell manufacturing facility in Fort Bend County, Texas, to expand domestic solar capacity in the United States. The project is expected to create 9,712 full-time jobs and seeks state tax incentives. If an agreement is reached, construction could begin as early as this year, with production starting in the first quarter of 2029.
Best Buy achieves zero waste goal at supply chain facilities
Best Buy has reached its 2021 zero-waste target, with all 29 supply chain facilities now certified under the TRUE designation by GBCI. The company cited packaging optimization, recycling programs, and employee green teams as drivers, and noted foam repurposing and high cardboard/plastic diversion rates.
Microsoft signs offtake deal for wastewater-based carbon removal
Microsoft has signed an offtake agreement with Crew Carbon, a climate tech startup, to acquire up to 23,602 verified carbon removal units from its wastewater-based technology. The deal, announced earlier this month, supports Crew's approach of enhancing alkalinity in wastewater treatment to permanently capture biogenic CO2. This follows Crew's previous agreements with corporate buyers including JPMorgan Chase, Google, Stripe, and Autodesk, and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Microsoft's carbon removal commitments.
Executives put the spotlight on AI’s reliability issue
As enterprises move beyond initial AI deployment, executives are grappling with a fundamental question: can the technology be trusted to deliver consistent business outcomes? A recent report from HFS Research and TCS, surveying over 100 C-suite and technology executives in the U.S. and Canada, finds that only 1 in 3 respondents believe AI consistently delivers intended outcomes, remains under control, and earns stakeholder confidence. The findings underscore a shift toward more cautious AI adoption, driven by rising costs, workforce skill gaps, and regulatory uncertainty.
Why recycled polyester isn’t solving fashion’s climate, waste crisis: report
A new lifecycle assessment by Textile Exchange and SCS Consulting Services shows that recycled polyester is not a silver bullet for fashion's environmental woes. Electricity consumption drives impacts, thermomechanical recycling often emits more than chemical recycling, and 98% of recycled polyester comes from bottles, not textile waste. The report also highlights social issues and the need for systemic change.
Lego leverages renewable energy and efficiency measures to reduce operational emissions
The Lego Group is advancing its decarbonization strategy by expanding renewable energy capacity, including solar installations in Vietnam, Denmark, and Virginia, while transitioning vehicle fleets to electric power.
Gamers Power Texas Solar: 110-MW Project Secures Financing via Virtual PPA
A 110-MW solar project in Hill County, Texas, has begun commercial operations with financial backing from thousands of individual gamers via a subscription-based virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). The arrangement, facilitated by Ever.green and SuperPower, highlights the potential for broader VPPA adoption beyond hyperscalers and large corporates.
Google Signs 15-Year PPA to Offtake Full Output of RWE's 155-MW Oklahoma Solar Farm
Google and RWE announced a 15-year PPA covering 100% of the output from the 155-MW Crooked Creek Solar project in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Construction begins later this year, with commercial operation expected in 2028. The project is projected to generate significant local tax revenue and support community services.