Facebook Just Made a Huge Commitment to This Initiative

Facebook announced plans this week that shows the social media giant is planning to do its part in helping save the world.

The company has made a big investment into renewable energy and wants to slash its greenhouse emissions and power global operations with clean energy.

Facebook stated on Tuesday that it has signed contracts for over three gigawatts of new solar and wind energy since 2013, the first time it ever purchased wind power.

The company’s new commitment builds upon Facebook’s 2015 goal of supporting 50 percent of its facilities with renewable energy by 2018.

“CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reaffirmed Facebook’s place among business leaders in the race to be coal-free and 100 percent renewable-powered,” said Gary Cook, senior corporate campaigner at Greenpeace.

“If we are to stay within the 1.5-degree threshold that scientists say is crucial to avoid catastrophic climate change, we need many more companies stepping up to adopt aggressive renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals,” Cook said.

“Because of variations in renewable energy markets and utilities, these projects are done through mechanisms such as renewable energy tariffs and direct power purchase agreements. … In other words, these projects would not be happening without the long-term financial commitment that Facebook has undertaken,” company spokesperson Melanie Roe said in an email.

The company says it is two years away from 100% renewable energy.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) and have not been compensated for this article.