Previously, we wrote about Microsoft’s Scope 3 emissions rising 30% since 2020 as a result of the company’s investments and focus on AI. However, unlike other companies, Microsoft has not reduced its sustainability goals despite this increase in emissions. Many wonder how Microsoft can hit its emissions goals and grow its AI business at the same time, two priorities that appear at odds. Microsoft is asking the same questions and looking for solutions. According to a recent article from ESG News, Microsoft put together a new team dedicated to solving the AI emissions problem. The article describes the development stating:
“Microsoft’s move to build this team underscores the growing challenge of managing emissions as their data center footprint expands. While the company has set an ambitious goal to reduce Scope 3 emissions by more than 50% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels, recent data shows these emissions have increased by over 30% from 2020 to 2023. This surge is largely due to the need for greater AI computing power, which has driven data center growth.”
The team consists of seasoned sustainability professionals including former Google and Meta sustainability personnel. Microsoft hopes to tackle emissions from data centers used to train and operate AI platforms. It’s encouraging to see Microsoft double down on its commitments rather than walking them back. However, solving AI emissions in just a little over five years is ambitious, especially considering how far Microsoft lags in meeting its goals. If their crack sustainability team can solve the problem, other tech firms are sure to follow and sustainability and AI may be able to coexist.
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