Blog Posts
Microsoft Announces Largest Wind Project to Date
July 15, 2014
Microsoft announces another move to make its operations more environmentally sustainable by signing a 20-year power purchase agreement for wind energy in Illinois that will be funded in part by proceeds from Microsoft’s carbon fee.
Making Carbon Neutrality Everyone’s Responsibility at Microsoft
May 08, 2012
Beginning in fiscal year 2013 (which starts this July 1), Microsoft will be carbon neutral across all our direct operations including data centers, software development labs, air travel, and office buildings.
Going Carbon Neutral and Putting an Internal Price on Carbon
May 07, 2012
The model of accountability is based on an internal carbon fee that will make Microsoft’s business divisions responsible for the cost of offsetting the carbon emissions associated with their electricity use and air travel.
Microsoft Recognized by EPA as Leading Green Power Purchaser
April 23, 2012
According to the EPA’s Green Power Partnership program, Microsoft earned this recognition by purchasing more than 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 46 percent of our electricity use, and is the annual equivalent to taking more than 150,000 passenger vehicles off the road.
Microsoft Research & the Environment
April 19, 2012
From increasing the energy efficiency of computing in data centers to addressing the era of data-intensive science, Microsoft Research is exploring ways to protect our planet.
Earth Day: Microsoft Research FetchClimate! Puts Big Climate Data in the Hands of Many
April 19, 2012
Blog post and video showing cloud-based, intelligent data-retrieval service for climate information.
Thinking Off the Grid: Independence for today’s Data Centers via Data Plants?
April 18, 2012
Integrating a data center directly into the power plant — what we are calling our Data Plant program — will allow a data center to pick its sustainable fuel source and shield itself from grid volatility.
Earth Day 2012: A Progress Report
April 16, 2012
Ahead of Earth Day 2012 Microsoft announces it has passed significant sustainability milestone, reducing carbon emissions 30 percent per unit of revenue below 2007 baseline.
7 Windows Phone Apps for Staying Green
Feb. 01, 2012
Josh Henretig shares his collection of apps to help you support sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint.
Windows 8 and the Quest for Energy Efficiency
Nov. 10, 2011
Find out about power management for Windows 8 and efforts to build a more power-smart operating system.
Microsoft Named One of Top Green IT Companies
Oct. 24, 2011
Computerworld ranks Microsoft fourth in its annual Top Green-IT Organizations feature.
Smarter Buildings, Lower Costs Through Software
Oct. 05, 2011
White paper: Software can curb energy use, pay for itself in 18 months in lower energy costs.
Microsoft Joins Reconnect Program to Help Make Electronics Recycling Free and Convenient
April 21, 2010
Dell and Goodwill Industries International announced that Microsoft would join the Reconnect computer recycling program, in which consumers recycle used personal electronics at no cost
Press Releases
Smart Grid Implementation Rises 25 Percent in the Past Year, According to Utilities Industry Survey
Jan. 24, 2012
Third annual survey uncovers critical need for business intelligence solutions that manage massive amounts of data for business insight.
Microsoft Headquarters Will Switch to 100 Percent Recycled Paper
April 19, 2011
Company to team with local Grays Harbor Paper, saving approximately 8,000 trees each year.
Microsoft, the Smithsonian Institution and TakingITGlobal Announce Worldwide Program for Teachers and Students to Use Technology to Address Global Environmental Issues
Oct. 27, 2010
World’s most innovative educators and school leaders gather in South Africa for the Partners in Learning Worldwide Innovative Education Forum.
Feature Stories
Microsoft announces 175-megawatt wind farm deal, broadens renewable energy commitment
July 15, 2014
Microsoft’s second 20-year agreement to purchase wind energy is indicative of Microsoft’s growing commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Slide Show: PC Makers Going Greener
Jan. 26, 2012
See new PCs that reduce environmental impact in areas from power to packaging.
Shrinking the Datacenter
April 21, 2011
Microsoft reports on its efforts to improve the environmental efficiency of its datacenters and operations.
Study: Cloud Cuts Carbon Emissions
Nov. 04, 2010
Companies running applications in the cloud can reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent or more.
Microsoft Driving for Greener Datacenters
April 19, 2011
Christian Belady on increasing efficiency of the datacenters behind more than 200 cloud services.
Cloud Computing Helps Scientists Study Biosphere
Oct. 12, 2010
Project aids researchers in analyzing vast amounts of data without supercomputers.
Eye on Earth Monitors Air, Water
April 18, 2010
Cloud-based system gives Europeans regular updates on their air, water quality
Businesses Go Green with Microsoft Technology
April 18, 2010
Businesses reduce travel, get more from servers, connect virtually – all with Microsoft tools
Tips: Ten Things to Do Today for a Greener Tomorrow
April 18, 2010
Simple things people can do to reduce energy use, greenup their lives
Windows 7 Manager Discusses Energy-Efficiency Boost
Feb. 10, 2010
A conversation with the man who helped make Windows 7 more energy-efficient
Microsoft Delivers New Climate Change Tools
Dec. 14, 2009
Microsoft was active participant in COP15 environmental conference
Using the Power of IT to Drive Environmental Sustainability
Dec. 06, 2009
Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist for Microsoft, outlines how technology can help solve big environmental problems
Microsoft to Shift Servers, Culture to New Green Lab
Sept. 14, 2009
Redmond Ridge, a new computer lab, provides Microsoft a place for testing greener technology