CyrusOne continuously works to find ways to meaningfully contribute to improving offsite biodiversity. We recognize that this is not a problem we can tackle on our own — it requires partnerships, creativity, and collaboration.  

We know that biodiversity is intertwined with other environmental targets that we have set. For example, the electricity we consume can impact biodiversity through fossil fuel extraction and water consumed during electrical generation. These impacts will decrease significantly as we transition to renewable electricity, but we want to do more. However, there aren’t readily tradable credits for habitat restoration in the same way that there are for carbon offsets, RECs, and water restoration. Biodiversity gains are more often a co-benefit of projects completed for other purposes. So, our strategy is to look for projects with multiple co-benefits to help us work toward several target topics at the same time. The co-benefits can include expanding or preserving wildlife habitat, reducing water stress, improving communities, carbon reduction and removal, or improved renewable energy.  

One way that we have pursued this strategy is through the purchase of BEF Water Restoration Certificates® to increase water flows, improving regional water stress for both human use and local wildlife habitat. For more information about this water restoration, see Water. We have begun to map out additional offsite efforts to maximize biodiversity co-benefits. Possibilities include expanding partnerships with conservation organizations, supporting nature-based carbon removal or emissions reductions projects, and additional water restoration projects.