Microsoft Unveils Data Center Community Pledge Detailing Sustainability Commitments
Earlier this month, Microsoft rolled out its Data Center Community Pledge, which is focused on making sure that the company’s data center footprint assists in creating benefits in local communities and addressing societal issues.
Noelle Walsh, Microsoft VP of cloud operations and innovation, stated during the launch that this was a pledge that the company’s data centers would have a positive impact on the communities they serve. This move by the company comes as it commences the building and operation of a worldwide network of advanced data centers, a surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence driving its growth.
Walsh added that Microsoft relied on an extensive network of officials, local suppliers, residents and stakeholders to plan, build and operate the facilities, then noted that they acknowledged the importance of supporting communities.
Microsoft’s new pledge focuses on three primary areas, which include:
Operating responsibly
Under this, the company commits to closely working with communities and operate in a way that respects the local environment.
Advancing well-being and prosperity in the community
Here, the company pledged to deliver considerable local, environmental, social and economic benefits to communities where it operates.
Contributing to a sustainable future
Under this, the company commits to designing and operating its data centers to support climate goals and become zero waste, water positive and carbon negative before 2030.
Microsoft also provided a summary of targets and actions it would be pursuing, which include targets to procure renewable energy around the world by 2025 and environmental sustainability efforts to achieve carbon negativity by 2030.
The company’s sustainability report released in May showed that, at the moment, the company isn’t on track regarding its 2030 emissions goal. This is because its scope 3 value chain emissions were significantly higher last year than its 2020 figure. This, Microsoft noted, was attributed to an increase driven primarily by data-center construction.
Actions the company highlighted that would enhance community impact included collaborating with local businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations and schools to create apprenticeship opportunities and well-paid jobs. This is in addition to investing in local sustainability, offering STEM education and training for digital skills, and partnering with communities and neighbors in different stages of development.
Furthermore, the company would employ light- and noise-reduction measures, utilizing sustainable building materials and development practices.
In her conclusion, Walsh noted that through partnerships, the company was creating a future that was rooted in environmental sustainability and social responsibility while pioneering new technology.
Many more companies such as First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) are increasingly taking measures to mitigate any ESG issues that could result from their operations. This suggests the fight against climate change could show tangible results a lot sooner than analysts initially thought.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FSTTF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the ESGWireNews website applicable to all content provided by ESG, wherever published or re-published: https://www.ESGWireNews.com/Disclaimer
Earlier this month, Microsoft rolled out its Data Center Community Pledge, which is focused on making sure that the company’s data center footprint assists in creating benefits in local communities and addressing societal issues.
Noelle Walsh, Microsoft VP of cloud operations and innovation, stated during the launch that this was a pledge that the company’s data centers would have a positive impact on the communities they serve. This move by the company comes as it commences the building and operation of a worldwide network of advanced data centers, a surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence driving its growth.
Walsh added that Microsoft relied on an extensive network of officials, local suppliers, residents and stakeholders to plan, build and operate the facilities, then noted that they acknowledged the importance of supporting communities.
Microsoft’s new pledge focuses on three primary areas, which include:
Operating responsibly
Under this, the company commits to closely working with communities and operate in a way that respects the local environment.
Advancing well-being and prosperity in the community
Here, the company pledged to deliver considerable local, environmental, social and economic benefits to communities where it operates.
Contributing to a sustainable future
Under this, the company commits to designing and operating its data centers to support climate goals and become zero waste, water positive and carbon negative before 2030.
Microsoft also provided a summary of targets and actions it would be pursuing, which include targets to procure renewable energy around the world by 2025 and environmental sustainability efforts to achieve carbon negativity by 2030.
The company’s sustainability report released in May showed that, at the moment, the company isn’t on track regarding its 2030 emissions goal. This is because its scope 3 value chain emissions were significantly higher last year than its 2020 figure. This, Microsoft noted, was attributed to an increase driven primarily by data-center construction.
Actions the company highlighted that would enhance community impact included collaborating with local businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations and schools to create apprenticeship opportunities and well-paid jobs. This is in addition to investing in local sustainability, offering STEM education and training for digital skills, and partnering with communities and neighbors in different stages of development.
Furthermore, the company would employ light- and noise-reduction measures, utilizing sustainable building materials and development practices.
In her conclusion, Walsh noted that through partnerships, the company was creating a future that was rooted in environmental sustainability and social responsibility while pioneering new technology.
Many more companies such as First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) are increasingly taking measures to mitigate any ESG issues that could result from their operations. This suggests the fight against climate change could show tangible results a lot sooner than analysts initially thought.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FSTTF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the ESGWireNews website applicable to all content provided by ESG, wherever published or re-published: https://www.ESGWireNews.com/Disclaimer
