In 2008, AT&T California deployed 105 alternative-fuel vehicles in more than 30 cities, received Energy Star certification for five facilities, installed a one-megawatt solar system and kept 75 million pounds of network scrap materials out of landfills, according to a press release.
In the area of environmental impact, AT&T ramped up its use of renewable energy sources in California. AT&T recently announced plans to install and operate a 1-megawatt solar power system at its San Ramon campus. The power produced is expected to equal up to 25 percent of peak power and 5.5 percent of the facility's annual electricity consumption, which the company says is equivalent to the electricity required to power more than 165 California homes each year.
AT&T also introduced a new fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles that will lower its vehicle operating costs while reducing emissions. In 2008, the roll out of more that 105 alternative-fuel vehicles saved the company nearly 34,395 gallons of fuel, and reduced emissions by more than 300 metric tons.
The communications company expects to roll out 43 alternative-fuel vehicles in 14 California cities in 2009. This is part of a company-wide plan announced in March, to invest up to $565 million nationally over the next 10 years on alternative-fuel vehicles, reaching more than 15,000 by 2019.
Green buildings are also on AT&T's environmental agenda. The AT&T Center in Los Angeles became the first U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building in downtown Los Angeles in 2008.
In addition to keeping more than 75 million pounds of network scrap from landfills, AT&T also recycled more than 10 million pounds of material including paper and cardboard in 2008. It also donated, recycled or reused nearly 68,000 computers, monitors, servers and other equipment in 2008.
In 2009, AT&T plans to focus on using energy more efficiently. The company expects to implement several new initiatives including the roll out of new energy-saving software on 310,000 desktop computers to help save more than 135 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity a year, the addition of automated motion and temperature controls and the installation of high-efficient lighting, heating and air systems.
In early August, AT&T also released its nationwide 2008 Citizenship and Sustainability Report.
The 2008 report, Connecting for a Sustainable Future, looks at AT&T's progress in six strategic focus areas: strengthening communities, leading innovation and technology, minimizing environmental impact, investing in people, leading with integrity and connecting people and business.
