Commercial, Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables  -  December 16, 2019

Microsoft awarded for Green Initiatives

Microsoft was awarded the Corporate Award for Green Initiatives by the S&P Global Platts Energy Awards in a new category created by Staples to honor corporate sustainability.

In the announcement of the award, S&P Global recognized Microsoft as a "heavy energy consumer that is committed to energy efficiency". The award recognized the tech company for operating as carbon-neutral since 2012 and for being one of the largest buyers of green power in the world.

Vanessa Miler-Fels, renewable energy strategist for Microsoft, accepted the award on the company's behalf and was presented the award by Bob Valair, director of energy and environmental management at Staples (photo). The new category recognizing Green Initiatives was created through a partnership between Staples and Platts.

Microsoft was also recognized for pledging in 2017 to reduce operational carbon emissions 75% by 2030; they already achieved 50% by the end of 2018. The award mentioned Microsoft's efforts in renewable energy,  including the 1.6 gigawatts of solar and wind PPAs they have completed and the facilities currently under construction that will be powered by green energy. These facilities include modernizing its Redmond headquarters and constructing 17 new buildings.

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