Tech & AI: How Google Cut 26 Million Tonnes of GHG Emissions

Google’s parent company Alphabet is ranked as one of the top five most valuable companies in the world by market capitalisation.

Although best known for its search engine, Google also operates in areas like cloud computing, advertising, software and hardware.

The company aims to achieve net zero emissions across all operations by 2030, innovating new technology to better themselves and its customers. 

How does Google meet sustainability goals?

Google reports that five of its products enabled individuals, cities and other partners to reduce an estimated 26 million metric tons of GHG emissions, which is equivalent to powering around 3.5 million US homes.

These products include:

• A new route on google maps that shows you the most fuel efficient path
• Google maps also highlights wildfire boundary information and is updated as information develops
• It provided customers with an AI powered satellite imagery that will analyse all aspects of solar their property, so people can decide if solar is right for them
• The company automatically updated its products for a minimum of five years 
• Google Search now highlights pre-owned products, making it easier to find pre-loved items

Google also has a water stewardship project which replenished roughly 64% of its freshwater consumption, which was around 4.5 billion gallons, within a year.

Sundar Pichai, CEO Google and Alphabet says “at Google, we’ve been asking these questions for 25 years: can a company at our scale operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy? 

“How can we use technology to help others achieve their climate goals, and make more sustainable choices?

“We began purchasing clean energy in 2010. 

“By 2017, all our energy purchases were matched with 100% renewable energy. 

“And today, two-thirds of the energy used for our offices and data centers is 24/7 carbon free. Our goal is to reach 100% by the end of the decade".

What is different about Google’s manufacturing?

Google reports that the world's leading manufacturers use its data, AI and productivity solutions to optimise production operations, improving customer experiences and accelerating workforce productivity.

Google cloud utilises AI promising to bring engineering innovations to enterprises in a  secure, scalable and sustainable way.

By extending manufacturing environments into the cloud Google reports that it will boost engineering speed and strengthen security.

Jason Ryska, Director of Manufacturing Technology Development, Ford Motor Company says “We worked with Google Cloud to implement a data platform, streaming and storing over 25 million records per week. 

“We're gaining strong insights from the data that will help us implement predictive and preventive actions and continue to become even more efficient in our manufacturing plants.”

Google also innovates its own manufacturing process, aiming to accelerate the transition to a circular economy; the company uses 100% recycled aluminium specifications on its Google Pixel phones.

Julie Rapoport, Environmental Footprinting Lead for the consumer hardware group at Google says “In looking for ways to reduce the Pixel 5’s environmental impact, we started with a life cycle assessment of the earlier Pixel 3.

“We found that the biggest contributor to the carbon footprint was the aluminum enclosure. And a lot of that came from the electricity required to make aluminum from mined bauxite.”

Google is committed to eliminating plastic packaging by 2025, in 2022 it reported that the use of plastic packaging on Pixel phones has reduced by 97%.

How AI is used in Google’s supply chain

The company says that Google Cloud data and AI solutions optimise operations, drive cost efficiency and build resilient supply chains. 

With help from Google Cloud companies are able to scale data driven operations from pilot to program, producing high quality products. 

Google says that AI optimises planning and forecasting ad on-shelf availability, helping to reduce waste, improve customer service and increase profits.

Also reporting that AI makes cross-company data sharing easier, which improves collaboration and coordination, helping to make informed decisions. 

How is Google making its data centres sustainable

Google has reduced data centre emissions by 12% compared to the year before. 

The company builds data centres that power essential technology and services.

Google says that Data centres are a key part of its journey towards net zero carbon.

The company is actively working on ways to reduce the amount of materials they use to build the centres, whilst also using materials like green concrete and renewable diesel in construction activities.

Google uses water cooling as an energy efficient way to remove heat, responsibly sourcing the majority of fresh water from low or medium risk areas.

Google Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt, said on Linkin: “[We’re] showing it’s possible to advance the two great transformations of our time – the AI revolution and clean energy growth – hand in hand,”

“We know there is much more work to be done, but I remain hopeful given the positive impact enabled by AI—from transforming how people engage with information, to enhancing business and economic growth, to enabling scientific breakthroughs and driving sustainable innovation for society."