Neutralizing our carbon emissions
We have been carbon neutral since June of 2012, and we’re committed to lean, green and accountable business practices.
We have implemented an internal carbon fee, which puts a price on carbon. The fees we collect are used to improve energy efficiency, increase our purchase of renewable energy, and fund community projects that offset carbon and advance sustainable development around the world.
Microsoft has also invested in programs that reduce environmental impact across its worldwide business operations, from facilities to commuting to recycling our food waste.
Investments in renewable energy are a core component of Microsoft’s overall sustainability strategy.
We are committed to increasing our purchase of green power and making long-term purchase agreements to power our facilities with local renewable energy. In our fiscal year 2015, we have purchased more than 3.2 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy and supported initiatives that encourage utilities and suppliers to improve the access and affordability of renewable energy. Microsoft has been 100 percent powered by renewable energy since 2014.
Providing solutions for the future
Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our products and services.
When organizations move business applications to the cloud, energy use and reduced by at least 30 percent. Our services in the cloud, like Microsoft Office 365 solutions, support the new world of work by streamlining communications and collaboration.
We help governments, businesses and citizens build sustainable cities.
Microsoft Research is exploring ways to monitor our planet’s health.
We believe every device should be made with the environment in mind – so we do just that.
We think carefully about what substances go into our products, and we work hard to use renewable materials and smart packaging. We believe in full disclosure of materials used in our products and restrict the use of toxic substances in the manufacture and packaging of our products. We look for ways to increase energy efficiency across our supply chain and in our manufacturing facilities. And we’re committed to the recovery and recycling of our products at the end of their lifecycle.
Greening our product lifecycle
Microsoft’s sustainability commitment extends to our suppliers and the materials they provide.
We work with our suppliers to establish environmental policies and we hold our suppliers accountable through monitoring, audits and training programs. We require our suppliers to follow environmentally responsible practices with respect to their facilities and the products they make for Microsoft. We work with our supply chain and across our industry to advance responsible practices and promote positive environmental and social outcomes from our sourcing practices.