Working together towards a carbon-free future: How Google Cloud reduces your company’s carbon footprint
The leading Nordic cloud service partner at the cutting edge of sustainable development. That is our goal at Gapps. Therefore, our shared objective with Google is to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly digital future. As Finland's leading Google Cloud Premier Partner, we design cloud environments that meet the demands of modern work life and an ecological future. We work with Google Cloud, a 100% carbon-neutral cloud service.
Together, we aim to leverage innovative technologies and solutions that not only improve business operations but also promote environmental well-being.
Google has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy. This means Google’s offices and data centers will run entirely on carbon-free energy sources such as solar and wind power. Additionally, Google is investing in nature-based and technological carbon removal solutions to neutralise any remaining emissions.
Google’s data center in Hamina Finland operates 97% carbon-free
Google’s data center in Hamina is an exemplary model of sustainable and efficient data center operations. Utilizing innovative solutions like seawater for cooling, the center significantly reduces energy consumption. It operates 97% on carbon-free energy, primarily hydropower, and its excess heat is used to warm local homes and businesses, further minimizing its environmental footprint.
Google's investment in the Hamina data center has created numerous new jobs and boosted local economic growth. Google also collaborates with local organizations on educational and community initiatives, strengthening community development. The reliable infrastructure of the Hamina data center ensures minimal service disruptions for hosted services. Additionally, the center serves as a testing ground for new technologies and management methods, advancing the industry. Overall, Google Cloud's data center in Hamina is a prime example of sustainable, efficient, and impactful data center operations.
A Finnish energy company Haminan Energia and Google are also starting a collaboration where the waste heat from Google's data center will be utilized in Hamina's district heating network in 2025. The cooling water from the data center will be directed to a heat pump facility, which will produce 40 GWh of district heating per year, covering 80% of Hamina's district heating needs. This project will reduce the use of fossil energy and support Hamina's carbon neutrality goals.
Why is it important to store your data in Finland?
Finland offers ideal conditions for data center operations. Its high-quality and reliable power grid ensures a robust infrastructure. When your data is stored in Finland, it is protected by Finnish law and the stringent data protection regulations of the EU (GDPR). This safeguards sensitive information from potential foreign risks. Additionally, certain sectors and companies require data to be stored within Finland’s borders for security and regulatory reasons.
Google continues to innovate and improve in terms of responsibility and energy efficiency. An example is the technically advanced and energy-saving cooling system at the Hamina data center, which uses seawater from the Gulf of Finland.
Google is proud to call Hamina one of its data centers and remains committed to supporting the local community and sustainable development. More information about the Hamina data center can be found on Google's official site.
Reduce your company’s carbon footprint with Google Cloud
Gapps and Google work together to ensure that our customers' data is securely and responsibly stored, supporting sustainable development and a low-carbon future.
"Google Cloud's data center in Hamina offers Finnish companies the best combination of security, speed, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. When using Google's infrastructure, you can trust that your data is quickly accessible, secure, and supports sustainable development principles," says the CTO Tuomas Hulkkonen from Gapps.
Google Cloud is carbon-neutral and operates on renewable energy. Therefore, all operations transferred to Google reduce your company's carbon footprint. Contact Gapps’ Google professionals and start your journey towards a more environmentally friendly future with us!
Explore Google’s carbon footprint calculator
Google offers a carbon footprint calculator in Google Console, allowing users to track and reduce their carbon emissions. This tool includes both location-based and market-based CO2 emissions data for reports and disclosures. It helps visualize emissions data through dashboards and charts and track cumulative emissions over time by service.
Google Workspace administrators can now monitor the carbon footprint and gross emissions of Google Workspace usage, meaning you can track the emission impacts of Google Meet, Gmail, Google Docs, and other tools. This information is crucial in IT decision-making and resource allocation as sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor.
Google Cloud reduces your company’s carbon footprint
Involve IT operations in achieving your company’s climate goals! Google Cloud is carbon neutral and powered by renewable energy. This means that every operation you move to Google reduces your company’s carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly data centres
Google has the most efficient and environmentally friendly data centers in the industry. Google’s climate goals and achievements are eight years ahead of the rest of the industry.
Sustainable work culture
A sustainable work culture improves employee well-being and protects the environment. Google Workspace enables flexible and efficient work from anywhere and at any time, reducing the need for commuting and thus promoting employee well-being.
Chromebooks
Chrome devices have a long lifespan. Devices need to be replaced less frequently. An old PC can also be turned into a Chrome device, thus extending its lifespan. Read more about Chromebooks.
More Efficient Cloud Infrastructure
Optimize resources more effectively. Google Cloud’s extensive AI capabilities help optimize resource usage, further reducing energy consumption. Additionally, scalable infrastructure allows for resource usage as needed, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Transparent Reporting
Google Cloud’s carbon footprint calculator provides detailed information about your emissions, enabling you to track your progress and make informed decisions.
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