Akamai has actively advocated for public policies that align with our long-term sustainability goals and corporate values, particularly those aimed at clean energy, grid reliability, and climate accountability. As the company that powers and protects life online, Akamai recognizes that well-structured policies can support our operational sustainability and foster a favorable business environment that encourages broader economic growth and environmental stewardship. This engagement directly supports Akamai’s 2030 goals of achieving 100% renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions to net zero, and promoting circular economy practices across our facilities and data centers.

Strategic Importance of Public Policy in Akamai’s Sustainability Framework

Through our efforts, Akamai demonstrates a proactive approach to public policy engagement that directly supports our sustainability goals by:

Enhancing Renewable Energy Access

Policies supporting renewable energy deployment directly enable Akamai’s 100% renewable energy goal.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and supporting energy efficiency legislation aligns with Akamai’s targets for emissions reduction.

Strengthening Grid Reliability

By promoting grid modernization and reliability standards, Akamai helps ensure a resilient energy infrastructure, essential for sustainable operations.

Economic and Community Development

Advocacy for inclusivity in workforce development and climate technology investments underlines Akamai’s dedication to social responsibility and sustainable development for all.

Akamai’s robust support for clean energy policy signifies our belief that effective public policy is crucial for meeting our global climate goals and achieving a sustainable business model that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Key Legislative Actions Supported by Akamai in 2024

Massachusetts Climate and Economic Development Package

Akamai joined a coalition of businesses to support Massachusetts’ H.4459, the “Mass Leads Act,” advocating for strategic investments in climate tech and clean energy industries within the state. This act aims to position Massachusetts as a global hub for climate tech, aligning with Akamai’s goal to drive a clean energy transition and stimulate job creation. Akamai endorsed key components, including:

California’s Climate Disclosure Legislation (SB 253 and SB 261)

Akamai supported full funding for California’s climate disclosure mandates, SB 253 and SB 261, to ensure timely implementation of corporate climate accountability. The alignment of California’s standards with frameworks like the TCFD and current GHGP mirrors Akamai’s focus on transparent, standardized and impactful emissions reporting. As part of a coalition, Akamai emphasized that these laws will provide reliable climate-related risk data, helping companies, investors, and the public make informed decisions.

Virginia’s Participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

Akamai backed Virginia’s continued participation in the RGGI, a regional cap-and-trade program. The RGGI has brought more than $820 million to Virginia, used to fund energy efficiency projects and flood resilience. Akamai’s advocacy underscores the role of market-based solutions in reducing carbon pollution, supporting our long-term aspiration of a low-carbon economy.

Support for Grid Reliability in California (AB 2368)

California’s AB 2368 focuses on improving grid reliability, especially critical as the state faces power shortages due to extreme weather. Akamai’s support for this legislation reflects our need for a stable energy grid to achieve net-zero goals, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and maintain sustainable business operations. AB 2368’s framework aligns with Akamai’s focus on building a resilient infrastructure that can adapt to climate impacts.

Southeast Grid Modernization and Economic Growth Initiatives

Akamai joined other energy customers in the Southeast to advocate for grid modernization policies across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The recommendations include leveraging federal incentives for clean energy deployment, updating transmission lines, and supporting voluntary investments in renewables. Akamai’s involvement emphasizes our dedication to grid modernization as a necessary step toward achieving energy efficiency and meeting the growing electricity demand while supporting the low-carbon transition.

Virginia SAVE Act for Energy Efficiency

In Virginia, Akamai supported the Savings Achieved Via Efficiency (SAVE) Act to establish binding energy efficiency standards. This act is expected to help large energy consumers, like Akamai, lower operational costs, increase resilience, and reduce carbon emissions through utility-driven efficiency programs. The act aligns with Akamai’s sustainability framework, driving resource efficiency and cost savings as the company advances our sustainability goals.

Virginia Legislative Briefing at AES Spotsylvania Solar

In August 2024, Akamai co-hosted a site visit to the AES Spotsylvania Solar facility in Virginia, the largest solar project east of the Rockies. This event provided policymakers, businesses, and local chambers with an in-depth look at the facility’s operations, including its active substation, integrated sheep grazing for vegetation management, and the expansive Highlander solar array. The visit facilitated discussions on the benefits of renewable energy deployment in the Commonwealth and strategies to attract new economic opportunities across Virginia.

Akamai’s involvement in this initiative underscores our goal to advancing renewable energy and engaging with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. By showcasing the practical applications and economic advantages of large-scale solar projects, Akamai aims to inspire policy decisions that align with our 2030 sustainability goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy usage and reducing carbon emissions. This engagement reflects Akamai’s dedication to fostering collaborative efforts that drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Pennsylvania Renewable Energy and Sustainability Support (PRESS) Legislation

Akamai joined other businesses in supporting Pennsylvania’s PRESS legislation, which aims to advance clean energy, foster sustainability, and drive economic growth in the state. This legislation aligns with Akamai’s goals of achieving 100% renewable energy and reducing emissions by 2030. Key elements Akamai endorses include:

As we look toward 2030, Akamai’s strategic partnerships and policy endorsements reinforce our goals to not only adapt to but also shape a sustainable future.

Clean Energy Demand Initiative

The Clean Energy Demand Initiative (CEDI) is a collaborative platform established by the U.S. Department of State to unite corporations and countries in advancing clean energy goals. Launched during COP26, CEDI facilitates partnerships where companies express demand for renewable energy, and countries develop policies to attract clean energy investments. This initiative aims to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy by leveraging corporate priorities to drive the deployment of clean energy infrastructure. 

Akamai engaged with CEBA and CEDI in a series of strategic meetings with delegations from Japan, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. These discussions aimed to advance clean energy policies and programs, fostering collaboration between corporate energy buyers and national governments to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

International Policy Engagements During 2024

Japan

During Climate Week NYC 2024, Akamai participated in a roundtable meeting with Japanese officials to discuss enhancing the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. The dialogue focused on policy frameworks that support corporate clean energy procurement, with the goal of attracting significant investment from multinational companies that prioritize sustainability.

Vietnam

During 2024, Akamai engaged with CEBA and CEDI representatives to meet with Vietnamese officials to discuss enhancing the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. Similarly to Japan, The dialogue focused on policy frameworks that support corporate clean energy procurement, with the goal of attracting significant investment from multinational companies that prioritize sustainability.

India

During Climate Week NYC 2024, Akamai participated in a roundtable with Indian delegates, with an emphasis on scaling up renewable energy projects to meet the country’s ambitious climate goals. Discussions included strategies for streamlining regulatory processes and creating incentives for private sector participation in the clean energy sector.

Indonesia

In 2024, Akamai engaged through CEDI with Indonesian officials, centered on overcoming barriers to renewable energy adoption. The parties explored opportunities for public-private partnerships to develop sustainable energy projects, leveraging corporate demand to drive policy reforms and infrastructure development.

Role of CEDI

The U.S. Department of State, through CEDI, plays a pivotal role in facilitating these collaborations. By bringing together corporate energy buyers and national governments, CEDI aims to create enabling environments for clean energy investments. This approach not only supports the renewable energy goals of corporations but also assists countries in achieving their climate objectives by attracting private sector investment and expertise.

These engagements underscore the importance of international cooperation in advancing clean energy initiatives. By aligning corporate sustainability goals with national policy frameworks, such collaborations aim to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.