Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) recently announced a series of initiatives to decrease the carbon footprint of its datacenters, focusing primarily on construction techniques. By incorporating innovative materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), the company aims to replace traditional steel and concrete, major contributors to carbon emissions. This shift occurs amidst a broader corporate goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030, highlighting the tech giant’s commitment to sustainability. The implementation of these eco-friendly materials signifies a critical step towards mitigating the environmental impact of datacenter operations.
Similar efforts to reduce datacenter emissions have been seen in the tech industry, with companies prioritizing sustainable building materials and green energy solutions. Microsoft’s initiative aligns with these trends, emphasizing the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions. Previous reports indicated a significant rise in Microsoft’s Scope 3 emissions, driven by datacenter construction. Utilizing materials like CLT could potentially curb this upward trend. Other companies have also invested in low-carbon technologies, reflecting a collective movement towards more sustainable industry practices.
How Does CLT Contribute to Sustainability?
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) offers an alternative to conventional materials like steel and concrete. Its production process involves stacking layers of timber in varying directions and adhering them together to form strong, fire-resistant panels. The lightweight nature of CLT leads to reduced building mass, which in turn decreases the reliance on steel reinforcements. Furthermore, its ability to maintain structural integrity at high temperatures enhances its appeal as a sustainable building material. These factors collectively contribute to a reduction in the overall embodied carbon of Microsoft’s new datacenters.
What Are Microsoft’s Additional Initiatives?
Beyond the use of CLT, Microsoft is implementing several other strategies to lower the carbon footprint of its datacenters. This includes updating contract language to enforce low-carbon material requirements and investing in innovative technologies. Companies like Stegra, Boston Metal, CarbonCure, and Prometheus Materials are among the entities supported through Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund. These investments aim to foster the development of green solutions within the supply chain, ensuring suppliers have access to necessary technologies.
Jim Hanna, leader of sustainability for Microsoft’s datacenter engineering team, emphasized the importance of systemic thinking across the value chain.
“We have to be system thinkers across the entire value chain of these materials that go into our datacenters and the equipment that supplies our datacenters.”
Meanwhile, Brandon Middaugh, managing the Climate Innovation Fund, stressed the need for equipping suppliers with the right tools.
“Part of the solution is (figuring out) how do you make sure that our suppliers have the enabling technologies they need to develop the green solution.”
Through these initiatives, Microsoft seeks to address the environmental challenges associated with datacenter construction more comprehensively.
Embracing eco-friendly construction materials represents a significant move for Microsoft in its pursuit of sustainability. By investing in CLT and supporting the development of low-carbon technologies, the company is actively working to reduce its carbon emissions. This strategic focus on reducing embodied carbon aligns with industry trends, as more companies prioritize sustainability. As Microsoft progresses towards its 2030 carbon negative goals, these initiatives could serve as a model for other organizations aiming to lower their environmental impact.
