Cloudflare Cuts IT Carbon Emissions by 96%: Report

Cloudflare, Inc., the company specializing in security, performance, and reliability for a more sustainable internet, unveiled a groundbreaking independent report today, authored by Analysys Mason. The report underscores that transitioning enterprise network services from on-premises hardware to Cloudflare’s cloud-based solutions can result in a remarkable reduction of carbon emissions, ranging from 78% for large corporations to a remarkable 96% for

small businesses. This report marks a pioneering effort in quantifying the potential emissions savings achievable by replacing conventional enterprise network and security hardware with more eco-friendly cloud services.

Cloudflare, Inc., the company specializing in security, performance, and reliability for a more sustainable internet, unveiled a groundbreaking independent report today, authored by Analysys Mason. The report underscores that transitioning enterprise network services from on-premises hardware to Cloudflare’s cloud-based solutions can result in a remarkable reduction of carbon emissions, ranging from 78% for large corporations to a remarkable 96% for small businesses. This report marks a pioneering effort in quantifying the potential emissions savings achievable by replacing conventional enterprise network and security hardware with more eco-friendly cloud services.

Global internet usage presently contributes to a substantial 3.7% of global CO2 emissions, nearly equivalent to the emissions generated by worldwide air travel. In light of the ongoing implementation of the Paris Climate Accord and the shift toward a zero-emissions economy, the internet must curtail its overall energy consumption. The European Climate Law mandates Europe’s transformation into a climate-neutral economy and society by 2050, with an interim goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Regulatory bodies in the United States, the European Union, and elsewhere have also unveiled plans necessitating companies to disclose climate-related data, including carbon emissions arising from their operations and supply chains, as well as climate-related risks and opportunities. Notably, 63% of Fortune Global 500 companies now commit to 2050 targets for reducing emissions. This compels enterprises of all sizes to increasingly focus on carbon reduction, particularly within their IT infrastructure

Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder of Cloudflare, emphasized the straightforward path to minimizing the carbon footprint of IT infrastructure: “The best way to reduce your IT infrastructure’s carbon footprint is easy: move to the cloud. At Cloudflare, we’ve built one of the world’s most efficient networks, getting the most out of every watt of energy and every one of our servers. That’s why, with Cloudflare, companies can help hit their sustainability goals without sacrificing security, speed, performance, or innovation.”

The Analysys Mason study unearthed that the transition from on-premises enterprise network services to Cloudflare services can result in a carbon emissions reduction of up to 96%, contingent upon the existing network setup. The most significant reductions stem from service consolidation, enhancing carbon efficiency by maximizing server utilization, as these servers are responsible for multiple network functions. Unlike on-premises devices that continuously consume power even when underutilized, cloud infrastructure serves millions of customers globally, benefiting from economies of scale that minimize downtime, waste, and emissions. Furthermore, the study found that cloud data centers boast high Power Usage Effectiveness and leverage varying carbon intensities within local electricity grids to yield additional carbon reduction.

Matt Weinberg, Co-Founder and President of Technology at Happy Cog, a full-service digital agency, praised Cloudflare’s sustainable approach: “Happy Cog is a full-service digital agency that designs, builds, and markets experiences that engage our clients and their audiences. We’ve relied on Cloudflare for many of those websites and apps because it’s secure, reliable, fast, and affordable – but also aligns with many of our clients’ sustainability roadmaps and goals. Switching our clients from their previous on-premises or other constant-usage infrastructure to Cloudflare’s network and services has let them be greener, more efficient, and more cost effective. It’s ideal when you can offer your clients a solution that covers all their needs and provides a delightful experience now, without having to compromise on their longer-term priorities.”