Microsoft today detailed a pledge to cut the operational carbon emissions at the company by 75 percent by the year 2030. The new promise sets Microsoft on the goals of the Paris climate agreement and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to using renewable energy and investing in energy efficiency.
According to Microsoft president Brad Smith, the company will be turning to renewable energy because “it is a clean power source and gives us better financial predictability.” But even with this new goal, Microsoft already has been reducing energy emissions, as Brad Smith explains:
Our cloud-based programs to reduce resource consumption have already cut energy consumption at our main campus in Redmond, Washington by nearly 20 percent, reducing emissions and our power bill. The data we’ve collected on our energy consumption laid the groundwork for us to now buy our own clean energy at market rates, and we’ll soon be powering our Puget Sound campus with 100 percent carbon-free energy. Put simply, the environment and our business both benefit each time we’ve implemented sustainability targets and goals.
The goal of reducing operational emissions by 75 percent by 2030 is set against a 2013 baseline. Microsoft is planning on accomplishing the goal against their carbon neutrality and renewable energy commitments. The company also hopes that their pledge will inspire other groups and companies in setting goals and reducing carbon emissions to help reach the goals the Paris climate agreement.
Further reading: Brad Smith, Microsoft, Renewable Energy
