Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 7, 2016

Microsoft outlines data center clean energy goals

Toward its goal of powering its data centers with 50% renewable energy by the end of 2018, Microsoft has said it got 44% of the way there in fiscal 2016. 

In the technology giant's latest corporate social responsibility report, Microsoft said it bought more than 3.2 billion kWh of zero-carbon power in fiscal 2016, and  has been working with its utilities and suppliers to improve the access and affordability of renewable energy. The company is also looking for ways to increase energy efficiency across its facilities and its supply chain.

The company reiterated previous statements that the growing energy consumption at its data centers is a significant factor in its increased focus on the impact of its power use:

Today, large operators like Microsoft consume as much energy as small states, and by the middle of the next decade, they will rank among the largest users of electrical power on the planet. From FY15 to FY16, in North and South America combined, our data center energy consumption grew from 1,900,000 MWh to 2,400,000 MWh. ... To minimize the impact of our growth on the climate, we have therefore increased our commitment to make our energy mix less carbon intensive. 

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