Microsoft Ireland going green!
18 February 2011
At Microsoft, we are committed to software and technology innovation that helps people and organizations improve the environment. We work closely with governments, NGOs, businesses and academia, on the best ways to use technology with the aim to resolve issues facing the environment such as climate change and energy sustainability.
At the same time, Microsoft recognizes that in order to do this effectively, we must lead by example as a company and reduce the impact of our own operations and products. Each quarter, Microsoft’s Environmental Sustainability team awards an employee or team in recognition of the work they do in leading the way and providing inspiration and leadership in how we can make a difference both at work and at home.
The latest recipient of the award is the Microsoft Ireland Green Team, whose role is to promote the implementation of environmental initiatives within Microsoft’s Irish subsidiary. In the past twelve months, the team’s members have:
- Promoted alternative energy options, the subsidiary chosing an electricity provider that ensures 79% renewable energy
- Tracked environmental progress through aggressive measurement objectives
- Instituted a strict management of cost and carbon reduction programs in transport, waste, packaging and water, which achieved ISO4001certification to the global environmental management system
- Aligned the Irish subsidiary’s energy and carbon reduction policy to the company’s overall corporate objective to reduce carbon emissions by 30% from 2007 to 2012
- Helped reduce Microsoft Ireland’s carbon emissions per head by 50% since 2008, achieving savings of over €300 000
- Driven a series of events to promote environmental education, including an energy monitoring competition; participation the Irish National Bike Week; a paperless communications campaign; recycling days; and an energy and environment awareness week, where over 20 exhibitors presented their ideas and plans to Microsoft employees.
- Secured Microsoft Ireland’s winning the 2010 EnviroCom award for Energy Awareness, which recognized the company’s local engagement in innovative environmental management.
In the forthcoming year, the Microsoft Ireland Green Team will be stepping up their already impressive efforts, and take a renewed focus on transport and packaging issues. I have no doubt that their work will continue to have a remarkable impact in Ireland, and inspire teams across Europe to demonstrate how people can make a real difference in addressing environmental sustainability issues through their everyday activities.
Congratulations Microsoft Ireland Green Team, and keep up the good work!
Related content