Microsoft’s Bold Move on Carbon-Free Energy

Microsoft will require key suppliers to use 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, addressing its rising emissions, especially from AI infrastructure and supply chain operations. Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa announced that starting in 2025, select high-volume suppliers must transition to carbon-free electricity as part of an updated Supplier Code of Conduct.

Microsoft’s vast influence means this directive could drive significant industry-wide changes towards decarbonization. As the company aims to become carbon negative by 2030, it grapples with Scope 3 emissions, which comprise over 96% of its total emissions.

The move includes partnerships with climate solutions advisers like 3Degrees to launch Supplier REach, a renewable electricity portal aiding suppliers in sourcing high-quality carbon-free energy. Analysts suggest this could ultimately give Microsoft a competitive edge by aligning with customers’ sustainability goals.

Can This Inspire Global Pharma Media?

Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies and their agency partners are elevating sustainability in their decision-making processes, using it as a critical metric in media decisions. Kristofer Doerfler wrote a brilliant article titled “The Role Media Can Play in Climate Justice.” However, with billions spent on media annually within this industry, is the sector going far enough?

Like Microsoft, the largest pharma companies and agencies could draw a line in the sand with their media partners, mandating that...