NetApp’s SBTi Validation Marks Sustainability Milestone

In an era of political uncertainty, many businesses struggle to balance profitability with planetary responsibility. Despite shifting governmental policies, many organisations remain steadfast in their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability.

One key mechanism for achieving this is validation through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognised standard for measuring corporate sustainability efforts.

With more than 10,000 companies on its approved list, SBTi has become a trusted benchmark for businesses looking to align their environmental goals with scientific consensus. The latest company to receive the validation is global data storage solutions provider NetApp.

A significant milestone for NetApp

To commemorate the achievement, Nicola Acutt, Chief Sustainability Officer at NetApp, shared insights in a blog post about why this validation is crucial for the company and the planet. Nicola also took to LinkedIn, stating,:

“To succeed in the long-term, businesses must prioritise innovation and resilience. That’s why I’m so pleased that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated NetApp’s emission reduction goals for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.”

Nicola highlighted the importance of SBTi validation, describing it as “a critical benchmark we’re using to continue delivering value for our customers.” She highlighted how the corporate world is increasingly aligning around standardised sustainability metrics, marking a shift towards more accountable and transparent environmental commitments.

Driving innovation while building resilience

Nicola likened the balance between innovation and resilience to “changing the tyres while cruising down the highway.” She noted that occasionally, businesses find opportunities where strategic initiatives align perfectly with long-term sustainability goals. “Right now is one of those moments,” she added.

Beyond reducing its carbon footprint, NetApp integrates sustainability directly into its product development roadmap. “This means customers can count on us not only to help manage their data but also reduce their overall energy usage and costs,” Nicola explained.

Ambitious carbon reduction goals

NetApp has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50.8% by 2030, using 2020 as a baseline. Additionally, the company aims to cut Scope 3 GHG emissions from using sold products by 51.6% per petabyte shipped by 2030, from a 2023 baseline.

These new targets surpass NetApp’s previous sustainability commitments set in 2022, reflecting a growing demand from customers for more sustainable solutions.

“The economics of data are changing,” Nicola observed. “As AI workloads increase, companies are generating and utilising data at an unprecedented rate, leading to soaring energy costs. This kind of energy consumption isn’t sustainable—for businesses or the planet.”

Pioneering a sustainable future

NetApp aims to lead the data storage industry in sustainability by explicitly aligning its product development with environmental objectives. “We’re the first company in our space to do so,” Nicola affirmed.

The approach allows customers to manage their data more efficiently while reducing energy consumption and costs. “That’s a compelling value proposition,” she added.

NetApp sees the validation of its emission reduction targets as a critical step in its broader sustainability mission. “SBTi validation signals to our customers that we are a trusted vendor committed to long-term sustainability,” Nicola concluded.

As businesses worldwide continue to prioritise sustainability, NetApp’s recognition by SBTi demonstrates its leadership in the transition to a greener future. By integrating sustainability into its core business strategy, NetApp is meeting today’s environmental challenges and setting a precedent for responsible corporate innovation in the years ahead.

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