Today, businesses are becoming more aware than ever of their impact on the world around them. We’re proud to support Microsoft in their initiatives to enable a sustainable future and we are thrilled that many of our clients are also taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Microsoft's Sustainability Investment

Microsoft is actively interested in creating a sustainable office environment for their business as well as for their customers. Here are just a few of the ways they’ve committed to creating a more environmentally friendly workspace:

1. Decreasing their carbon footprint
   • Since 2012, Microsoft’s global operations have been 100% carbon neutral.
2. Using clean and renewable energy
   • By investing in new models of clean energy, Microsoft drives change beyond just their corporation and strives to make clean energy available to all businesses.
3. Reducing their water consumption
   • By employing data analytics in their operating systems, Microsoft strives to use less water as they help other companies to conserve water as well.
4. Continually seeking products that best benefit the environment.
   • Not only does Microsoft seek to use sustainable parts in their products, but they also require all of our factories, operations, and facilities to minimize the impact they have on the environment.

Carbon-Free Offices

One of many examples of Microsoft’s green innovation is their carbon-free headquarters, created in partnership with the communities in which they’re located. In the state of Washington, Microsoft reached an agreement enabling them to purchase 100% of their energy usage from clean and renewable sources.

In fact, Microsoft’s commitment to this sustainable way of doing business is so strong that if they fail to purchase the energy they’ve agreed to, they will face penalties. They’ve determined that their Washington headquarters will be a better, cleaner neighbor and they plan to take steps to ensure that they are beneficial to their community.

How to Make a Positive Impact in Your Own Company

Ready to follow Microsoft’s lead and reduce your own organization’s carbon footprint? One of the most common ways to start creating your own sustainable office is to cut down on paper product and electricity usage. We’re working with clients that are moving to cloud solutions, not just for the cost savings and the convenience, but for the sustainability benefits as well.  

Additionally, consider adopting power-saving protocols, such as disabling the screensavers on your computers, turning down the brightness on each computer’s monitor, or creating a comprehensive shut-down checklist for the end of the day, which will ensure non-essential lights do not burn energy overnight.

If you’re not already offering recycling bins throughout the office, it’s time to do so. Place a recycling bin next to each of the office’s printers and photocopiers and provide one paper recycling bin for every ten staff members. This will ensure that there are ample opportunities for recycling within the office.

Microsoft Cloud Solutions

Solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure are helping companies in their efforts to become more sustainable. With Azure, you can migrate on-premise applications to cloud applications, allowing you to virtually transition entire infrastructures to the cloud. Not running your own data center significantly decreases the amount of energy used by your business, increasing your office’s sustainability.

Accessing your data from any time on any device further increases sustainability by eliminating the need to print reports or documents to present at meetings. With Microsoft Cloud Solutions, the data you need is always available at your fingertips.

Western Computer

As a longtime Microsoft partner, Western Computer can help you implement solutions that reduce your carbon footprint and accelerate sustainability. Contact us today to learn more!