Google Taiwan announced its investment in the "Google Smart Taiwan Initiative" yesterday (the 14th). This year, for the first time, it has added a new area focused on "promoting environmental sustainability." Beyond the continued use of local renewable energy, the initiative aims to drive sustainable supply chain practices and provide consumers with more low-carbon lifestyle options through technology. Google Taiwan General Manager Lin Yafang revealed that a carbon footprint calculation feature will be available on Google Maps in the future, providing users with transportation routes with the lowest carbon emissions.
In 2007, Google became the world's first large-scale carbon-neutral enterprise. In 2017, it further achieved its goal of using 100% renewable energy, and the amount of green electricity it purchased exceeded the electricity consumption of its global data centers and operating bases.
However, purchasing alone cannot guarantee the continued use of green electricity during periods of low green electricity generation. Therefore, Google has made a bold promise to achieve "round-the-clock use of renewable energy" and practice carbon-free operations by 2030.
Taiwan locations also aim for net zero, integrating smart technology to aid energy conservation
Taiwan is, of course, integral to this carbon reduction effort. Google Taiwan General Manager Lin Yafang stated that Google's presence in Taiwan has continued to grow in recent years, now boasting not only a global data center but also its largest hardware R&D base outside of its US headquarters. Consequently, this year's "Google Smart Taiwan Project" has added a new area focused on "Promoting Environmental Sustainability," aiming for net-zero emissions across its own offices, data centers, and supply chain partners.
Jian Guofeng, senior director of facility management at Google Taiwan, explained that Google's office uses Google Cloud Platform (GCP) combined with IoT and other functions to monitor and manage water and electricity usage in real time. Lights, air conditioners and other equipment can be automatically turned on and off according to the usage of personnel. Through management and planning, energy consumption will be greatly improved and energy waste will be reduced.
Jian Guofeng gave an example, the Banqiao TPKD Building where Google's new Taiwan office is located is Google's first smart building in the Asia-Pacific region that uses "Digital Buildings Technology".
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/233859)
