Energizing and Decarbonizing Logistics at Global Scale
•February 10, 2026
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Why It Matters
Prologis’s scale means its sustainability roadmap can materially lower global logistics emissions, while its integrated energy solutions create new investment opportunities and set industry standards for climate‑aligned real estate.
Key Takeaways
- •Prologis manages 1.3B sq ft logistics, handling 8% global GDP.
- •Targets net‑zero operations by 2030, 90% scope‑1/2 cut.
- •Scope‑3 emissions dominate, 99.8% of Prologis carbon footprint.
- •Builds “energy‑ready” warehouses with solar, micro‑grids, EV charging.
- •Partners with utilities, startups, academia to pilot modular nuclear, fuel cells.
Summary
In a MIT Center for Real Estate podcast, Prologis Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer Susan Utaykumar outlines how the world’s largest logistics‑real‑estate firm is tackling decarbonization at scale. Prologis controls roughly 1.3 billion square feet of warehouse space across 20 countries, moving about 8 % of global GDP, and therefore faces a massive carbon footprint that is dominated by scope‑3 emissions from tenant activities. Utaykumar details the company’s aggressive climate targets: a net‑zero operating footprint by 2030 with a 90 % cut in scope‑1 and‑2 emissions and a 27.5 % reduction in scope‑3, extending to full value‑chain net‑zero by 2040. New developments are built to a “net‑zero standard,” meaning they are energy‑ready for solar, EV charging, and low‑carbon materials, while lifecycle analyses guide material choices and emissions tracking. She illustrates the approach with vivid examples – from a personal epiphany at a Fogo Island statue to Prologis’s 10 MW micro‑grid in Dallas that can charge 98 trucks simultaneously, and collaborations with MIT, Stanford, and startups like X‑Energy and Mainspring to test modular nuclear, fuel‑cell, and linear‑generator technologies. The firm also works with utilities through industry consortia to locate excess grid capacity for modular data centers. The strategy signals a shift in logistics real estate from a cost center to a climate‑innovation platform, aligning fiduciary duties with sustainability imperatives. By monetizing energy‑efficiency, attracting ESG‑focused capital, and providing resilient power solutions, Prologis positions itself as a critical enabler of low‑carbon supply chains and a benchmark for the sector’s climate commitments.
Original Description
00:00:09 – Introduction
00:00:32 – Career Journey
00:03:22 – Prologis’ Sustainability Approach
00:06:10 – Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Explained
00:06:54 – Net‑Zero Strategy
00:10:01 – Supplier & Academic Collaboration
00:12:20 – Day-to-Day Work Reality
00:12:26 – AI Energy Demand & Grid Bottlenecks
00:16:02 – Future Energy Sources
00:20:09 – How Prologis Uses AI
00:21:51 – AI for Future Load Management
00:22:02 – Sustainability Acceleration & AI’s Role
00:23:28 – Moving Forward & Advice
00:25:30 – Closing Remarks
In this episode of Meet the Visionaries, MIT/CRE student Monisha Nasa sits down with Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis, one of the world’s largest logistics real estate company. Susan shares her career journey leading to her role in global sustainability at Prologis.
She outlines how Prologis is transforming logistics real estate through sustainable design, on‑site energy generation, fleet electrification, and data‑driven emissions management. Susan discusses the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing Scope 3 emissions, the impact of AI-driven energy demand, and the company’s approach to microgrids, modular data centers, and emerging technologies like modular nuclear.
Offering an optimistic view of the future, she emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven work. Susan encourages students and industry leaders to take risks, experiment boldly, and care deeply about the problems they choose to solve.
Interview by: Monisha Nasa / MSRED 2026
Director: Denise DeLorey
Production: Lacey Cochran
Music from #Uppbeat:
License code: KQAWWN4CWQXDF01E
#realestatedevelopment #logistics #energy #sustainability #datacenterinfrastructure
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