• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, February 8, 2012

Google got top rankings by Greenpeace Wednesday in its latest Cool IT Leaderboard ranking of 21 IT companies on their clean energy roles, willingness to embrace clean energy solutions, and potential to influence energy decisions. Google topped the table for its U.S. clean energy policy, and strengthening of the EU’s 20% greenhouse gas target of 30% by 2020. Apple and Facebook were omitted in this year's ranking. Apple was not included because its efforts do not meet the criteria.  Interestingly, the energy used to power data centers like those operated by Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and IBM that deliver online services is significant, totalling more than 2% of U..S electricity demand. It is estimated to grow by at least 12% yearly.