Involta recently launched our inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, further driving our mission as a sustainable leader in the technology industry. As an award-winning data center, hybrid IT and cloud-forward technology partner, we are proud to deliver enterprise-class services that enable our clients to transform their worlds through technology while empowering our employees and communities.
Our ESG report emphasizes our commitment to being a sustainable and ethical leader in the IT landscape, and it underscores our focus on environmental responsibility, employee well-being and strong governance practices. Involta’s ESG framework was formed from the foundation of our strategic vision. Since our first data center opened nearly 20 years ago, we have worked tirelessly to cultivate a company culture that empowers our team of People Who Deliver, encourages innovation and sustainably supports the communities and partners we serve.
ESG in Action—Past, Present and Future
Involta’s commitments to responsible energy conservation, employee development and community action have long preceded the launch of our ESG report. Our comprehensive ESG strategy includes three core pillars:
Managing and Minimizing Our Environmental Footprint
The data center industry is a large power consumer, accounting for 3% (and growing) of the world’s power usage. As a leading data center service provider, we strive to be a responsible steward of energy conservation in how we build, operate and maintain our facilities. We have worked to reduce our environmental impact through attention to detail and continuous innovation through resource conservation, energy efficiency optimization and waste reduction. Here’s a closer look at the steps we’ve taken:
- Tracking data center energy usage and measuring energy efficiencies
- Replacing end-of-life equipment with higher-efficiency equipment
- Installing variable speed fans in older Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units
- Hot/cold aisle containment for higher cooling efficiencies in our data center halls
- Replacing incandescent lights with sensor-controlled LED lighting
- Responsible recycling and disposal of electronic equipment and other hazardous waste
- Climate action to ensure business continuity for Involta and clients in the case of natural disasters
These measures have helped us achieve 50% energy efficiency improvements between our flagship facility, commissioned in 2008, and our newest facilities. In 2022, more than 17% of our data center energy usage came from renewable sources. We aim to contribute to a greener future through continuous energy efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas emission reduction by adopting sustainable practices and embracing renewable energy solutions.
Caring for Our People—Employees, Contractors and Communities
We know our success is driven by our People Who Deliver. We’re dedicated to prioritizing the well-being and safety of our employees, contractors and the communities we serve. Our people come to work every day because they want to make a difference in how people think about and use technology. In turn, we aim to make a difference in the lives of our people through commitment, care and philanthropic engagement. In support of a diverse, healthy and tolerant culture, we’ve pursued and implemented meaningful improvements, such as:
- Volunteer ambassadors and paid employee volunteer hours through our Involta Cares initiative; employees logged 260+ volunteer hours in 2022
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance through generous paid time off, flexible working hours and location and work-from-home options
- Competitive benefits, such as affordable healthcare, life insurance and paid parental leave
- Opportunities for employee growth, training and development
- Gathering employee feedback through town halls and employee engagement surveys, and using feedback as a catalyst for positive change
- Encouraging collaboration and engagement through quarterly all-employee meetings, Bite with the Boss, summer outings and holiday parties
When we say “Involta Cares,” we mean it. We show up for our employees and communities in times of need, knowing the importance of supporting those who support us. In 2008, devastating flooding in Cedar Rapids engulfed an estimated 14% of the city. Involtans and their families rose to the occasion, traveling to Iowa to help the community sandbag, replenish crucial supplies, deliver gas cans and more.
In 2020, a derecho storm with 100-130 mph winds tore through eastern Iowa, causing catastrophic damage to any buildings, power lines and vegetation in its path. Involtans hit the road again, bringing supplies, power strips and generators to the affected neighborhoods and assisting our Iowa employees in stabilizing businesses’ physical and virtual work environments. Employees surveyed community needs, directed people to proper resources and collaborated with local organizations and relief centers to unpack and sort donations.
Our company culture is not stagnant; rather, it is an evolving work in progress. We continue to pursue meaningful improvements through the feedback of our employees, clients and communities, and we look forward to implementing an Employee Ambassador program that will promote collaboration and innovation among our employees.
A Foundation of Strong Governance
Involta upholds the highest standards of ethics, integrity and transparency in our business operations. Through robust governance practices, we ensure responsible decision-making, effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements. By maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting accountability, we build trust and inspire confidence among our customers, partners, investors and communities. We prioritize sound business practices and good governance by ensuring:
- Product quality and reliability
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Business continuity
- Business ethics and anti-corruption
- Respect for human rights
Involta’s commitment to strong governance extends beyond our company’s walls—we ensure our suppliers adopt and implement the same measures we do, and are developing a supplier code that will include relevant ESG topics. We have incorporated governance best practices across our organization, instilling them in our culture and the behavior of all employees at Involta.
One of the core features of Involta is our focus on the sustainable and ethical impacts of our business. Our approach to ESG is an integral part of our mission to transform the world through technology. Publishing this inaugural ESG report is a crucial step, and as we fully incorporate these principles into the ways we provide services, we will ensure a healthy company culture that remains focused on service. Involta and our People Who Deliver look forward to continuous innovation and leadership in pursuit of increased environmental and social responsibility in the technology industry.
Read our full ESG report here.
