Rackspace embraces an environmental mission – or not
Rackspace has gone green! Right? We looked closely and here’s what we found.
In their words:
Working with a partner like NativeEnergy, Rackspace is diligently working toward the goal of being a greener company. We know it’s not something that can happen overnight, but by addressing the problem and educating our customers and employees, we are taking the first step toward a cleaner tomorrow.
Here is what we found:
From the inside: Rackspace works with employees to minimize their environmental impact. They host a “Green Day” with local vendors as well.
For customers: Rackspace worked with NativeEnergy to develop a carbon footprint calculator for consumers to use. See the calculator here. Looking closely at the calculator, it looks more like a conversion tool for roping in new customers.
The nitty gritty: What about their nine datacenters? Rackspace has made no claim that they have offset their non-renewable energy usage. They redirect the attention to a few important but small changes like using compost on their lawns. Seriously? This is far from a “green web host”.
Although we’re not discounting the efforts they have made, Rackspace has fallen short of our recommendation. We thought it would be only fair to ask for their input. We contacted Rackspace through their online chat tool, here is the full, unedited conversation.
Welcome to Rackspace. We are connecting you to our next available operator.
you: Hi, I’m reading about Rackspaces “green” efforts…
you: I see lots of programs, but have you offset your energy usage with renewable energy certicates?
Justin V.: that’s a great question. let me get you the contact to our team that will be able to provide those details for you.
Justin V.: are you looking for a new hosting provider at this time or is this for a new project/
Justin V.: green initiative
you: I am reviewing Rackspace’s “green” program for a blog I run.
Justin V.: oh ok, the link provide has a lot of great info. about our Green Initiatives
you: Yea, I read the green initiative page. I found some great programs, but no mention of offsetting the massive amounts of energy your 9 datacenters use.Justin V.: our PR contact will be able to follow up with this for you and better address that topic.
Justin V.: For all media inquiries, please contact Rachel Ferry at ….
Justin V.: (email removed)
you: Ok, thank you.
The verdict: Rackspace has been around a long time and probably offers quality hosting services. If you’re looking for a truly green web host, however, you best look somewhere else.
May 14, 2010
Hi Tom,
I’ve been asking them the same thing and was advised to contact Decoa Parker. When asked, I received the response below. To me this seems like they DO offset their emission. As they are one of the big guys, I think this is somewhat important. What’s your take on this?
Hi Maarten,
— Excerpt from email aug 18, 2009 —
Oscar, from our Online Chat Team, informed me that he had a conversation with you this weekend. He forwarded me your question pertaining to whether or not Rackspace offset’s its emissions. To answer your question, yes, we do offset our emissions. We also work with a company named Native Energy to offer our customers tools to help offset their carbon emissions and reduce their impact on global warming. If you’re curious about your own emissions, we’ve worked with Native Energy to co-develop a calculator that you can find by going here: http://www.rackspace.com/information/events/green/nativeenergy.php
In addition, you’ll find more information about our efforts by visiting the following pages:
http://www.rackspace.com/information/events/green/index.php
http://www.nativeenergy.com/Rackspace
If you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know.
Decoa Parker
—