The Future Is Green – And It’s Happening Faster Than You Think
We’re living through the biggest technology transformation since the dawn of the internet—and it’s being driven by sustainability. Surprising fact: Renewable energy is now the cheapest source of new power generation in over two-thirds of the world. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023. In fact, global clean energy investment hit $1.8 trillion in 2023, outpacing fossil fuels for the first time in history. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-investment-renewable-energy-2023. Building the Future Together — And It’s Greener Than Ever 1. A Turning Point in History The world is experiencing one of the most significant technological transformations since the dawn of the internet. This shift—driven by sustainability—is not a distant aspiration but a rapidly accelerating reality. In 2023, global spending on renewable energy surpassed investment in fossil fuels for the first time. Clean energy is now cheaper than coal or gas in most regions, signaling a new era of economic and environmental alignment. 2. Innovation Driving the Green Revolution Breakthroughs are reshaping how industries produce, store, and consume energy: AI-Powered Energy Grids — Intelligent systems reduce waste by up to 30% while ensuring stability across national power networks. Circular Hardware Design — Devices are designed for repairability, reuse, and material recovery, redefining “end of life” as “start of next life.” Cloud as a Sustainability Engine — Cloud-based platforms simulate and optimize resource use, enabling smarter, leaner operations. 3. Microsoft’s Climate Commitments As a leader in corporate sustainability, Microsoft has pledged to: Become carbon negative by 2030. Remove all historical carbon emissions by 2050. These targets reflect the company’s belief that profitability and environmental stewardship are inseparable in the 21st century. 4. A Collective Opportunity Experts agree that this movement is bigger than any one organization. Scientists, engineers, policymakers, and everyday citizens each have a role in building a greener, more resilient world. The focus is not just on technological capability, but also on fostering a mindset where progress and responsibility go hand in hand. 5. The Road Ahead The path to a sustainable future will be shaped by: Shared Innovation — Ideas exchanged across borders and industries. Challenging Conventions — Rethinking what’s possible in energy, manufacturing, and urban development. Bold Experimentation — Pilots, prototypes, and proof-of-concept projects that scale globally. 6. Call to Action The message is clear: the future is coming quickly, and its shape depends on today’s actions. As one sustainability advocate put it: “The future is coming fast—and it’s ours to shape.” Now is the time to share ideas, inspire collaboration, and turn ambition into measurable impact. Somewhere, someone is working on the missing piece of the puzzle—your idea might be what makes it whole. 💬 Drop your thoughts below. Together, we can turn ambition into action.Microsoft: Pioneering Sustainability in the Tech Industry
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Microsoft stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft has grown from a small software company to a global tech giant, influencing various aspects of our daily lives. But beyond its technological advancements, Microsoft is making significant strides in sustainability, setting an example for the entire industry. A Commitment to Carbon Neutrality One of Microsoft's most notable commitments is its ambitious goal to become carbon-negative by 2030. This means the company aims to remove more carbon from the environment than it emits. By 2050, Microsoft plans to eliminate all the carbon it has emitted since its founding. This bold initiative is part of a broader strategy to address climate change and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. To achieve these goals, Microsoft is investing in various technologies and practices. For instance, the company is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize energy consumption in its data centers, which are notorious for their high energy usage. Renewable Energy and Circular Economy Microsoft is also a leader in the adoption of renewable energy. As of 2020, the company has been purchasing renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity consumption. This includes investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, Microsoft is reducing its carbon emissions and supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector. In addition to renewable energy, Microsoft is embracing the principles of the circular economy. This involves designing products and processes that minimize waste and maximize resources. For example, the company has implemented a device recycling program, encouraging customers to return old devices for recycling. This helps to reduce electronic waste and recover valuable materials that can be reused in new products. Surprising Facts and Interesting Stats Water Positive by 2030: Microsoft has set a goal to replenish more water than it consumes by 2030. This involves initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and supporting water conservation projects in water-stressed regions. AI for Earth: Microsoft’s AI for Earth program is a $50 million initiative that provides cloud and AI tools to organizations working on environmental challenges, including. Sustainable Data Centers: Microsoft’s data centers are among the most sustainable in the world. The company is experimenting with underwater data centers, which can be cooled naturally by the surrounding water, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems. Employee Engagement: Microsoft encourages its employees to participate in sustainability efforts. The company has a robust employee engagement program includes volunteering opportunities, sustainability training, and incentives for adopting eco-friendly practices. The Future of Sustainable Tech As Microsoft continues to innovate, its commitment to sustainability remains a core part of its mission. The company’s efforts inspire other organizations to follow suit by integrating sustainability into its business model, Microsoft. In conclusion, Microsoft’s journey toward sustainability is a testament to the power of innovation and corporate responsibility. As the company continues to push the boundaries of technology, it is also leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for all.How IoT is a game changer for the Sustainability Metaverse
The sustainability metaverse is less about any specific type of technology, and much more about how we interact with technology. It has become a truly viable notion that technology permits the degree of interaction required to support a unified experience that simultaneously transcends both physical and digital.From Neural Networks to Community Engagement
My (MVP Gavita Regunath) fascination with technology started during my final year at university, when I worked on a project to develop a neural network that could detect leukaemia cells. It might sound intimidating, and it certainly felt that way at first, but I soon realised there was something magical about using lines of code to tackle real challenges. It opened my eyes to the power technology can have in making life better for so many people. My passion for community engagement came later, thanks to a few brilliant directors at Advancing Analytics named Simon and Terry who showed me how leadership can be both ambitious and compassionate. However, my children were the real spark that pushed me to visit local schools and show children that coding is not terrifying at all. I often compare it to building with Lego pieces, only you do not have to crawl under the sofa to find the missing bits. In my mind, technology is for everyone. It is not just for the stereotypical people you see in films tapping away at futuristic screens. Challenges and Triumphs I wish I could say my journey was all smooth sailing and celebratory takeaway nights, but being a woman in tech sometimes feels like being a very small fish in a very big pond. Early on, I had moments when I felt I was shouting to be heard, yet I kept reminding myself why I loved this field. It was the thrill of bringing new ideas to life and the support from kindred spirits who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was seeing my team members blossom into community champions in their own right. It is amazing to watch them share what they have learnt and inspire others in turn. That beautiful cycle of growth and support is the main reason I still leap out of bed every morning, excited to see what is next. Motivation and Values If I had to sum up what drives me, it would be a keen appetite for learning and a rather competitive streak that helps me aim for success. I like to think I use that competitiveness for good rather than evil. Every challenge is a chance to acquire new knowledge, and every milestone reached feels like hitting a hidden treasure in a quest. More importantly, I love sharing every insight I gain, because there is no point being the only person in the room who has all the answers. I also believe deeply in empathy and collaboration. The best solutions appear when people feel safe speaking up, and when every perspective is valued. I always say we are only as strong as those around us. If we help each other, we can create an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive, and no one ever feels silly for asking a question. Community Engagement and Belonging For me, community is all about open and honest conversation. I enjoy giving talks in schools, online forums and in person, because I remember what it was like to feel a bit lost when I was starting out. If I can make technology more approachable for someone else, I have done my job. A moment that truly made me smile was when a former student told me they had gone on to study AI after attending a small coding workshop I had helped organise. It was only a few hours out of my day, yet it set off a chain reaction that shaped their future. It is moments like these that remind me how one small act of sharing knowledge can grow into something much bigger. Lifelong Learning and Keeping Up to Date Technology never stops evolving. One day you are reading about a new AI breakthrough, and the very next day there is an update that makes it seem outdated already. I keep up by reading articles on the Microsoft Tech Community site, joining AI groups and following interesting people on LinkedIn. You have to sift through a bit of fluff now and then, but you also come across some genuine gems of wisdom. One of my favourite pieces of advice is this: if you really want to master something, teach it. When you explain a concept to someone else, it forces you to understand it on a deeper level. You realise where your own gaps are, and it encourages you to fill those gaps so you can pass on accurate information. Personal Growth and Future Plans When I look ahead, I see many ways to keep encouraging and supporting thriving tech communities. I have a few ideas in mind, such as building more formal mentorship programmes that give newcomers a guiding hand, working with schools so children can see coding as a chance to be creative, exploring more international collaborations and diving deeper into the ethical questions around AI. The expansion of AI in daily life excites me the most. I believe future generations will grow up treating AI as quite ordinary, just as we treat smartphones today. If I can help them view AI as a helpful tool rather than a mysterious black box, I will have accomplished one of my main goals. Final Thoughts So that is my story in a nutshell. I hope it encourages you to see how powerful technology can be, but even more importantly, how amazing it feels to build a community around it. My wish is that you might feel inspired to start sharing your own knowledge and experiences, whether you are teaching a child how to code or collaborating with a global network of scientist. Each of us has something unique to offer, and when we pool our talents, wonderful things happen. If you ever want to chat or exchange tips and ideas, please reach out. I am always happy to connect. Thank you so much for reading, and here is to many exciting adventures in tech for all of us. MVP Gavita RegunathCarbon Negative by 2030: Microsoft’s Bold Commitment and Progress
In an era when climate change poses an existential threat, Microsoft has set a pioneering example with its ambitious goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and sets a benchmark for the tech industry. Let’s delve into the key milestones, the impact on the tech sector, and why this initiative is a game-changer. The Bold Commitment In January 2020, Microsoft announced its plan to be carbon-negative by 2030. This means the company aims to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. By 2050, Microsoft also pledges to remove all the carbon it has emitted since its founding in 1975. This bold commitment is part of a broader sustainability strategy that includes reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and innovating in carbon removal technologies. Key Milestones and Progress https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=68be6341e4672ef3245a5e0fad4ecb0f7faf7ee186d5616d2ece8e05da116944JmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Carbon+Fee+Implementation%3a+Microsoft+has+implemented+an+internal+carbon+fee+since+2012&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9ncy5taWNyb3NvZnQuY29tL2dyZWVuLzIwMTUvMDQvMTYvbWljcm9zb2Z0cy1jYXJib24tZmVlLTMteWVhcnMtbGF0ZXIvIzp-OnRleHQ9QmFjayUyMGluJTIwSnVseSUyMG9mJTIwMjAxMiUyQyUyMHdlJTIwbWFkZSUyMGEsY29zdCUyMG9mJTIwcmVkdWNpbmclMjBhbmQlMjBvZmZzZXR0aW5nJTIwb3VyJTIwY2FyYm9uJTIwZW1pc3Npb25zLg&ntb=1: Microsoft has implemented an internal carbon fee since 2012, which is instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives across the company. This fee is charged to business units based on their carbon emissions, incentivizing them to reduce their carbon footprint. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=e28100474654b88287793c18784ea0a7dab416e62199c406c4e3f84135f359c3JmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Renewable+Energy+Investments%3a+By+2025%2c+Microsoft+aims+to+power+its+data+centers+and+operations+with+100%25+renewable+energy.+As+of+2023%2c+the+company+has+already+achieved+70%25+renewable+energy+usage.&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9ncy5taWNyb3NvZnQuY29tL29uLXRoZS1pc3N1ZXMvMjAyNC8wNS8xNS9taWNyb3NvZnQtZW52aXJvbm1lbnRhbC1zdXN0YWluYWJpbGl0eS1yZXBvcnQtMjAyNC8&ntb=1: By 2025, Microsoft aims to power its data centers and operations with 100% renewable energy. As of 2023, the company has already achieved 70% renewable energy usage. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=6202bd919597a933ac97a0a337033233a017cd9c96facc58955ae5264f86c5cfJmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Carbon+Removal+Technologies%3a+Microsoft+invests+in+innovative+carbon+removal+technologies&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWljcm9zb2Z0LmNvbS9lbi11cy9jb3Jwb3JhdGUtcmVzcG9uc2liaWxpdHkvc3VzdGFpbmFiaWxpdHkvY2FyYm9uLXJlbW92YWwtcHJvZ3JhbT9tc29ja2lkPTBhMjJmOGMxNmM3YjY4MWUwMDg2ZWQ4NTZkMDY2OWM2&ntb=1: Microsoft invests in innovative carbon removal technologies, such as direct air capture and reforestation projects. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5f8fc9d61d0c73244039ba28f85103c5fe668fb7f58b4d81bef6f4ff23071ccbJmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Carbon+Removal+Technologies%3a+Microsoft+invests+in+innovative+carbon+removal+technologies&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9maW5hbmNlLnlhaG9vLmNvbS9uZXdzL21pY3Jvc29mdC1pbnZlc3QtMS1iaWxsaW9uLWNhcmJvbi0xNzMwNDQ0NjAuaHRtbCM6fjp0ZXh0PSUyOEJsb29tYmVyZyUyOSUyMC0tJTIwTWljcm9zb2Z0JTIwQ29ycC4lMjB1bnZlaWxlZCUyMHBsYW5zJTIwdG8lMjBpbnZlc3QsY2FyYm9uJTIwYXJlbiVFMiU4MCU5OXQlMjBlbm91Z2glMjB0byUyMHByZXZlbnQlMjBjYXRhc3Ryb3BoaWMlMjBjbGltYXRlJTIwY2hhbmdlLg&ntb=1 to its Climate Innovation Fund to accelerate the development of these technologies. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5752901e0b84db82e45218b05b052f042107ecb5f1d7cdab3324a8201385ad31JmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Sustainable+Data+Centers%3a+Microsoft%e2%80%99s+data+centers+are+becoming+more+energy-efficient+and+sustainable&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWljcm9zb2Z0LmNvbS9lbi11cy9taWNyb3NvZnQtY2xvdWQvYmxvZy8yMDI0LzA3LzI1L3N1c3RhaW5hYmxlLWJ5LWRlc2lnbi10cmFuc2Zvcm1pbmctZGF0YWNlbnRlci13YXRlci1lZmZpY2llbmN5Lz9tc29ja2lkPTBhMjJmOGMxNmM3YjY4MWUwMDg2ZWQ4NTZkMDY2OWM2&ntb=1: Microsoft’s data centers are becoming more energy-efficient and sustainable. The company is exploring using hydrogen fuel cells and other green technologies to power its data centers. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=22a2e430da0315cce80a471ffce2c5cf382341a16993a8878c072a415f055182JmltdHM9MTczNDM5MzYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0a22f8c1-6c7b-681e-0086-ed856d0669c6&psq=Transparency+and+Accountability%3a+Microsoft+publishes+an+annual+Environmental+Sustainability&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj01QlEyUkU5a3F2QQ&ntb=1: Microsoft publishes an annual Environmental Sustainability Report detailing its progress and challenges. This transparency ensures accountability and encourages other companies to follow suit. Impact on the Tech Industry Microsoft’s commitment to becoming carbon-negative has far-reaching implications for the tech industry. It sets a precedent for other tech giants to adopt similar sustainability goals. The company’s investments in renewable energy and carbon removal technologies drive innovation and make these solutions more accessible and affordable for other businesses. Moreover, Microsoft’s sustainability initiatives are influencing its supply chain and partners. By requiring suppliers to report their carbon emissions and set reduction targets, Microsoft fosters a culture of sustainability throughout the tech ecosystem. Inspiring a Sustainable Future Microsoft’s journey towards becoming carbon-negative is not just about reducing its carbon footprint. It’s about inspiring a global movement towards sustainability. The company’s initiatives demonstrate that achieving economic growth while prioritizing the planet is possible. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to a healthier environment and a more resilient economy. As a Microsoft partner in sustainability, myHerb is proud to support and promote these initiatives. Together, we can drive meaningful change and inspire others to join the fight against climate change. Let’s embrace sustainability and work towards a greener, more sustainable future. Here are some valuable resources on sustainability, technology, and business: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/25/20-tech-focused-business-practices-that-promote-better-sustainability/: Offers insights on tech-focused business practices that promote sustainability, such as moving to the cloud, adopting extended producer responsibility, and establishing refurbish and repair programs. https://www.sustainablebusinesstoolkit.com/sustainable-technology/: Provides a comprehensive guide on integrating sustainable technologies to reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and ensure a sustainable future for businesses. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/how-technology-helps-sustainability-initiatives: Explores how technology helps sustainability initiatives succeed and why management teams should utilize digital thinking to meet their goals.Achieve your sustainability and environmental goals with the Cloud Adoption Framework
While the impact and benefits of the cloud have been traditionally measured with financial and efficiency metrics, it's become more common for customers to seek to understand how the cloud can help them to achieve their sustainability and environmental goals. In this episode of the Azure Enablement Show, Thomas and Tobias dig into the newly released Sustainability guidance as part of Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework.
