Energy-Efficient Operations

In 1987, EMC began construction of its first corporate campus building at 171 South Street in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Even then, EMC recognized the bottom-line impact of energy costs and adopted a conservation philosophy, designing and installing high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems throughout the new facility.

Since that time, EMC's conservation philosophy and practices have continued to expand. Over the years, energy efficiency measures have helped to save the company more than 304 million kilowatt hours of electricity, reduce energy costs by more than $31 million, and curb the emission of greenhouse gases by more than 127,000 metric tons.

Facilities collaboration across the business

EMC Facilities collaborates with the company's IT, Engineering, and Manufacturing organizations to perform advance power planning and improve energy efficiency in data centers and engineering labs, and on manufacturing floors. Examples of cross-organizational, collaborative projects include:

• Independent studies on electricity consumption in data centers and lab spaces to improve energy efficiency and reduce cooling requirements.
• Process changes to maximize product environmental testing room usage and thereby reduce electricity usage.
• Installation of high-efficiency chillers that reduce the electricity usage associated with data center cooling.

LEED-compliant building materials

In its building renovations and new building development, EMC makes every effort to incorporate into design and construction the use of environmentally responsible, flexible, efficient, and cost-effective building components. EMC constructs new buildings with energy efficiency, water conservation, day lighting, and other features consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.  In September 2009, EMC inaugurated a LEED Gold green-certified facility for our R&D center in Bangalore, India. EMC is also pursuing LEED certification for its corporate headquarters in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling

EMC implements energy-efficient systems in all recent real estate development and improvements. It has installed low-energy light fixtures, occupancy controls, variable water and air flow delivery for HVAC and process systems, and high-efficiency boilers and chillers, as well as "free cooling" packages that air-condition spaces with outside air during the winter months. To help get the best solutions and value, EMC works closely with its electricity providers to take advantage of incentive plans and rebate programs. Money provided by local utilities helps to offset any incremental costs of selecting more efficient systems and equipment.

Award-winning energy efficiency in manufacturing

In 2008, our North Carolina manufacturing plant was recognized as a Rising Environmental Steward by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). As a member of the DENR's Environmental Stewardship Initiative, we are on track to reduce water use, electricity use, landfill use, and GHG emissions from air travel.

Corporate shuttle program

EMC offers shuttle service at its corporate facilities in Central Massachusetts, transporting 2,000 people each day. By minimizing the use of personal vehicles on and around EMC campuses, the shuttle program saves as much as four tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. In 2008, EMC introduced hybrid vehicles into the shuttle fleet, saving at least 780 gallons of gasoline per vehicle annually.

Ridesharing

In various locations in the U.S., EMC participates in a ride-matching system that pairs employees with those who share the same work schedule. For employees who bicycle or walk to work, EMC has showers, lockers, and bike racks at its major facilities.

Total electricity use, by region, in MegaWatt hours, 2005 - 2008

For more detail on these calculations, please read EMC’s Carbon Disclosure Project Reports, found on the Climate Change Programs page

In 2008, EMC purchased Green-e certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset 80,650 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2008 and 2009.

Total natural gas use by region in therms, 2005-2007

For more detail on these calculations, please read EMC’s Carbon Disclosure Project Reports, found on the Climate Change Programs page