Microsoft is pouring a consistent amount of efforts into a complex migration process onto greener pastures. This transition will affect not only the Redmond giant's products, but also the company itself, down to its core resource, the people. Among Microsoft's green initiatives are the Connector bus for employees in the Seattle area, projects from the Environmental Sustainability team such as Edison, collaborations including the Eye on Earth online environmental observatory, and even the work dedicated to optimizing Windows Vista's energy consumption. Microsoft is truly "innovating to improve the planet," as the mantra of the Environmental Sustainability team goes.

 

"Our team is focused on looking at broad Environmental Challenges and how Microsoft can help address them. The big area of focus these days is obviously Climate Change and reducing greenhouse gases but we’re also looking at broader issues such as smart transportation, deforestation, and water issues. People around the office called us the "Green Team" or "Greenies". :) We’re looking at how technology can be applied for positive impact; driving partnerships for global impact; and of course driving sustainable practices within our own operations," revealed Francois Ajenstat, director of Environmental Sustainability for the Microsoft JobsBlog.

 

Ajenstat emphasized the fact that various areas and divisions across Microsoft are contributing to the company's overall environmental sustainability efforts, from the focus on efficiency and power management of the Windows project to the innovations driven by Microsoft Research and to the new optimized data center energy consumption models. As of August 2008, the company's cafeterias and kitchens have Certified Green Restaurant status.

 

"We actually drove a 50% reduction in solid waste in the first month," Ajenstat pointed out. "Our goal is to become zero waste. That’s ambitious but achievable if everyone does their part. There are quite a few other activities that we’re doing from a workplace standpoint. All of our new buildings are being built to LEED standards and consume over 20 percent less energy than traditional buildings. In our Mountain View, CA campus we’ve installed 2,288 solar panels covering more than 31,000 square feet of rooftop which generates 480 kilowatts of power. We’ve built our data center facility in Quincy, WA site to use 100% renewable hydropower from the Columbia River Basin."