American Tower Corporation's 2022 Sustainability Report: A Key Milestone in Reducing GHG Emissions

Strategic Insights -

In its 2022 sustainability report, American Tower Corporation showcased significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident through its science-based targets and collaborative initiatives with partners. Key takeaways from the report highlight the company's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint.

Key Takeaways:

  • American Tower demonstrated its commitment to reducing GHG emissions by decreasing direct emissions by 11.0% in 2022.
  • The company's renewable energy source hours nearly doubled since 2019, with the hour run time for power sourced by diesel generators reduced by approximately half.
  • Through a $300 million investment in energy reduction initiatives, American Tower estimates that on-site diesel consumption has decreased by nearly 43.5 million liters annually, resulting in 117,000 MTCO2e (Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) avoided.
  • The company adopted science-based GHG emissions reduction goals, aiming to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 40% by 2035 against a 2019 baseline.
  • American Tower established a transformational partnership with Airtel in Africa, committing to reduce emissions by up to 95% through the establishment of the Green Sites program.
  • The company piloted a cloud-based Energy Management Systems (EMS) program in Africa, which successfully improved energy efficiency and reduced diesel generator run time by nearly 40% at one site.
  • American Tower Africa plans to substitute 30% of its diesel fuel with biodiesel in 2023, which can reduce GHG emissions in the short term while the company continues to invest in renewable energy solutions.
  • Over 45% of American Tower's sites have achieved ISO 14001 certification, and the company intends to increase this number in Africa and Latin America.
  • American Tower focuses on limiting waste generation and diverting unavoidable waste from landfills throughout each phase of its communications sites' lifecycle.
  • The company supports local communities through its Digital Communities (DCs) program, providing access to technology and digital connectivity in underserved communities.

Statistics:

  • American Tower reduced direct emissions by 11.0% in 2022.
  • Renewable energy source hours nearly doubled since 2019.
  • Hour run time for power sourced by diesel generators reduced by approximately half.
  • Through a $300 million investment, on-site diesel consumption decreased by nearly 43.5 million liters annually.
  • The avoided carbon emissions are estimated to be 117,000 MTCO2e (Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • American Tower aims to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 40% by 2035 against a 2019 baseline.
  • Over 45% of American Tower's sites have achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Sources:

  • American Tower Corporation. (2022). 2022 Sustainability Report. Retrieved from https://apo-opa.info/3ZQvyMm.
  • American Tower Corporation. (n.d.). Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.AmericanTower.com.