Beyond Compliance — ESG as a Value Driver

How leading data centers are unlocking efficiency, revenue, and resilience.

Moving Past the Checkbox Mentality

Too often, ESG is viewed as a compliance burden. But for data centers, ESG reporting represents a chance to drive measurable business value. By centralizing and analyzing ESG data, operators can identify cost savings, uncover new revenue streams, and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Case in Point: Dentsu

Global media group Dentsu transformed its sustainability operations with Salesforce Net Zero Cloud. By shifting from manual spreadsheets to automated ESG management, Dentsu:

• Reduced reporting cycles from three months to one.
  
• Achieved a 34% reduction in emissions particularly by addressing after-hours energy use.
  
• Gained the ability to share accurate ESG data across 300 sites in 67 countries.

The result: not just compliance, but a competitive advantage in efficiency and credibility.

Case in Point: Werner Enterprises

Transportation leader Werner Enterprises implemented Net Zero Cloud to prepare for SEC carbon emissions regulations. By consolidating emissions data into a single platform, Werner:

• Gained visibility into fleet and facility emissions.
  
• Built readiness for future E, S, and G reporting requirements.
  
• Empowered sales teams to use emissions reporting as a differentiator with customers.

The Data Center Opportunity

For data centers, similar value levers exist:

• Cost Savings: Reduce energy and water usage, avoid audit costs.
  
• Revenue Growth: Demonstrate ESG leadership to win enterprise and government contracts.
  
• Resilience: Anticipate supply chain risks and adapt quickly.

ESG as Strategy, Not Obligation

When treated as a core strategy, ESG can transform data centers from cost-heavy utilities to value-creating engines of the digital economy.