Microsoft Azure & ESG Initiatives

In the face of climate change, sustainability has become a paramount concern for individuals and businesses alike. Microsoft Azure recognises the urgency of this global challenge and has taken significant steps to prioritise sustainability in its operations.  

By leveraging innovative technologies, Azure aims to minimise environmental impact while supporting local communities.  

We will take a look at Azure’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, highlighting the company’s commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future. 

Energy Efficiency 

Leading the Path to Carbon Neutrality Azure is committed to significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Studies have shown that utilizing the Azure cloud platform can be up to 93% more energy efficient and up to 98% more carbon efficient than on-premises solutions. By migrating on-premises workloads to Azure, organisations can reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. 

Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutrality 

Azure’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency. The company has set a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy consumption by 2025. By transitioning to renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, Azure not only reduces its own carbon footprint but also supports the growth of clean energy infrastructure worldwide. This move toward carbon neutrality demonstrates Azure’s dedication to driving positive environmental change. 

Water Conservation and Positive Impact 

Water scarcity is a critical global issue, and Azure recognises its responsibility to conserve and replenish this precious resource. Azure has pledged to become water positive by 2030, aiming to replenish more water than it consumes. By implementing efficient water management practices, including innovative cooling technologies in its data centers, Azure minimises water consumption while contributing to local water conservation efforts. 

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy 

Azure is committed to achieving zero-waste certification by 2030. The company focuses on waste reduction, recycling, and reusing materials to minimise its environmental impact. By adopting a circular economy approach, Azure aims to eliminate waste by designing products and services with end-of-life considerations, thus promoting sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle. 

Ecosystem Preservation 

Azure understands the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and has pledged to achieve net-zero deforestation from new construction. By implementing sustainable construction practices and supporting forest conservation initiatives, Azure contributes to the preservation of critical ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental resilience. 

Download our FREE Cloud Sustainability eBook!

Migrating and modernising your business to Microsoft Azure requires careful planning and execution, but it can provide significant benefits
in terms of scalability, flexibility, and cost savings, as well as improved application performance and security.

In this e-book you will discover:

✅ The demand for transformation

✅ Impact of inflation and CIO priorities

✅ Benefits and need for sustainable technology

✅ Azure Migration

✅ Azure Modernisation

✅Cloud 2023 tech trends

About the author