atNorth Releases 2024 Sustainability Report: A Look at Its Achievements
atNorth has recently unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting its progress in environmental, social, and governance aspects while emphasizing transparency and accountability in its operations.
Overview of atNorth’s Growth and Sustainability Strategy
Throughout 2024, atNorth experienced significant growth, expanding its operations to encompass 7 data centers across 4 Nordic countries, with 5 additional sites currently in the development phase. As the company continues to expand, its sustainability report outlines a comprehensive sustainability strategy that aligns with planetary boundaries as defined by the Stockholm Resilience Centre. This strategy, based on the Future-Fit Framework, focuses on three key pillars—Planet, People, and Business Conduct—to drive progress towards overarching goals.
Key Achievements in Sustainability
Planet:
atNorth’s average PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) stands at 1.28, slightly above its target of 1.2 but notably lower than the industry average of 1.56. The company has also introduced Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) metrics for the first time, showcasing levels below 0.1 L/kWh, significantly lower than the industry standard of around 1.8 L/kWh.
In 2024, atNorth reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions totaling 704 and 3,200 metric tons respectively. Additionally, the company disclosed Scope 3 emissions for the first time, amounting to 1,300 metric tons. Moreover, atNorth has secured three mega sites and established partnerships for heat reuse initiatives to further reduce its carbon footprint, including collaborations with WA3RM and Hringvarmi to repurpose excess heat for greenhouse vegetable cultivation.
Furthermore, atNorth has introduced a responsible development blueprint for its data centers, with the DEN02 mega site serving as a prime example, featuring plans for on-campus nature restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
People:
In 2024, atNorth witnessed a notable 68% increase in its workforce, coupled with reduced turnover rates and enhanced employee satisfaction levels (from 7.5 to 8.1 on a scale of 0 to 10). The company’s Equality Policy underscores its commitment to fostering a diverse team comprising individuals from approximately 20 nationalities, with women in leadership roles rising from 18% to 30%.
Moreover, atNorth actively engages in corporate citizenship within the communities it operates, supporting various social initiatives such as mental health programs, social harm prevention efforts, and local sports clubs.
Business Conduct:
In 2024, atNorth became a signatory of the UN Global Compact, aligning its corporate responsibility strategy with international guidelines set forth by the UN and OECD. The company has also reinforced its sustainable procurement practices, ensuring that suppliers adhere to its Supplier Code of Conduct.
CEO Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson emphasized, “The data center industry stands at a critical juncture. It is imperative not only to reduce environmental impact but also to actively contribute to restoration efforts for a sustainable future.” Director of Sustainability Cora Olsen added, “By adopting a holistic approach, we can move beyond risk mitigation and actively participate in initiatives that support local environments and communities.”
Future Outlook and Commitment to Sustainability
atNorth remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating data center ecosystems that serve as pillars of thriving, self-sustaining economies, contributing positively to a better world.
