Sustainability and caring for our planet are ongoing efforts for Acxiom, and we are continuously exploring ways we can renew and refresh our commitment to protecting and preserving our world. Not only is sustainability a priority for us, it’s also incredibly important to our parent company, Interpublic Group (IPG), which has now been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for three consecutive years. 

While terms like “environmentally friendly” and “going green” may sound like buzz words, incorporating sustainability into our business plan is beneficial for both Acxiom and the planet. As Forbes pointed out, studies have shown benefits that range from adding brand value, attracting talent to your organization, and increasing efficiency, which lowers costs.  

On our sustainability journey, Acxiom is continuing to focus on the environmental impact of our data centers and offices. We’re also looking at ways associates can be involved in this journey. So, what progress have we made since we last shared information about our sustainability efforts?

1. Over the past five years, our annual electricity consumption has dropped by approximately 45% (10% year over year).  

2. Acxiom’s water consumption has dropped by approximately 98% (34% year over year), with the last remaining data center water cooling towers removed in July 2023. This means we are now water independent in our data centers except for restrooms and lawn sprinklers. 

3. Our data center (and main campus) utility provider commissioned a 132-megawatt solar farm in September 2023 that will supply all customers an estimated 25-45% of their power needs through this renewable energy source. We will have data on this alternative power source in the next few months, and we are thrilled to have a large portion of our power come from a renewable energy source. 

4. Acxiom is in discussions with alternative power vendors with proposals presented to install solar panel fields on our campus. This would potentially reduce our yearly emissions by about 13%. Our proposals include covered parking solar arrays that limit the need to disrupt the natural environment on campus. While we do not have a concrete timeline in place, we hope this project will be underway in 2024. 

These numbers are incredibly encouraging. Knowing our commitment to sustainability is paying off and yielding real, tangible results pushes us forward toward pursuing even more environmentally friendly practices.  

We are also working on updating amenities such as lighting and biodegradable serving containers. We implemented a recycling program for our kitchen area, are encouraging recycling as much as possible and providing services to make it easier to recycle. With more people back in the office, this has become a priority.  

To help us consider what else we can do as an organization, Acxiom has established an Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) team with the purpose of providing direction and support for Acxiom’s environmental, social and governance goals. We continue to invest in our planet and invite our associates to share their ideas to help propel us to a future where the health of the planet is always a priority. Acxiom’s commitment to sustainability is ongoing, and we know that by factoring the environment into our business decisions we are investing in the future and in our business.