Water is a critical resource in Akamai’s supply chain, primarily used for cooling our networking equipment deployed globally. We recognize the importance of proactively assessing and mitigating our water-related impacts and risks and taking efforts to support water conservation globally.

With the exception of our global headquarters and two Akamai-Owned Data Centers (AODCs), Akamai’s operations are primarily based in colocation spaces and leased offices. Our limited control in these environments has made it challenging to collect water consumption data and implement water efficiency measures. Despite this, we have used available data to identify our water-related risk exposure and indirect impacts and implemented efficiency programs at sites within our control.

Water Stress Assessment and Supplier Engagement

To assess our water-related risks, we employ the following approach:

Although Akamai does not have full operational control over many of our network and office locations, we remain dedicated to working with our suppliers to evaluate water risks, prioritize water stewardship, and implement effective water efficiency and conservation practices. We encourage data center and office partners to adopt advanced cooling technologies — such as air, liquid, and hybrid systems — that minimize water consumption.

Water Efficiency Programs

At sites where Akamai has operational control, we prioritize sustainability and have implemented water efficiency programs. Our headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, features an integrated water management system, including rainwater harvesting, which significantly reduces withdrawal from municipal water supplies. Both of our AODCs utilize free air cooling, taking advantage of the cool local climates.

Akamai Water Incubation and Acceleration Program

Akamai believes water conservation should be considered a necessity for today’s existence and a proactive effort for the future. In line with this conviction, Akamai India’s CSR Trust has taken proactive measures to address this critical challenge through their Water Incubation and Acceleration Program in partnership with the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW).

This initiative aims to support innovative organizations working toward solving India’s water crisis by providing them with seed funding, mentorship, and other resources to help them build scalable and repeatable business models. Since the program’s launch in 2020, Akamai has supported 30+ startups as part of this initiative.

We aspire to minimize our water footprint, safeguarding local water resources, and positively impacting the communities where we operate. We strive to avoid locations facing water scarcity to prevent exacerbating existing challenges. In areas with reliable water sources, we work to minimize our impact on local supplies and promote water conservation. We will continue to manage water-related impacts and risks through our EMS, evolving our practices for water data collection and supply chain water stewardship. To learn more about Akamai’s approach to water stewardship, check out our Water Stewardship Policy.