Investors are pressing Amazon, Microsoft, and Google to disclose detailed data on water usage at their U.S. data centers.
More than a dozen institutional investors are pushing for transparency ahead of spring shareholder meetings. Shareholders are concerned about the environmental impact of expanding data infrastructure.
Trillium Asset Management, managing over $4 billion in assets, submitted a resolution to Alphabet demanding clarity on climate commitments. Despite a 2020 pledge to cut emissions in half by 2030, Google’s emissions increased by 51%.
Meta, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have adopted closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water demand, but reporting varies widely.
Amazon reports water usage per unit of power rather than total consumption. Microsoft and Meta provide limited site-specific data. Google’s disclosures cover owned and leased facilities, excluding third-party operations.
Investors emphasize the need for localized data to evaluate operational risks and sustainability practices. They also want assurances on water replenishment efforts.
A Microsoft spokesperson emphasized that environmental sustainability is a core value, while Google declined to comment.
The Data Center Coalition, representing major tech firms, has prioritized improved community engagement on energy and water use.