Case
Microsoft: AI expansion and emissions
Microsoft's 2026 Environmental Sustainability Report, covering fiscal year 2025 (published 9 July 2026), says total emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) rose 25% year on year, mainly from datacentre expansion and a pause in using non-additional, unbundled renewable energy certificates. That year it matched 100% of global electricity use with renewable energy and replenished over 14.2 million cubic metres of water, for the first time more than it withdrew (Microsoft). Its goal since 2020 is to be carbon negative by 2030.
- Industry
- Technology and cloud computing
- Frameworks applied
- The eight tasks of a chief sustainability officer
Frameworks applied
This case is read through the frameworks below.
- The eight tasks of a chief sustainability officerWhen a CEO sets up or reviews the chief sustainability officer role, which of the eight tasks should the CSO own, where is effort going, and which gaps come first?
Sources
References
Listed A–Z by author surname, Harvard style. A source with a DOI links to https://doi.org/…; one without links to its page or says plainly that it has no DOI.
- Microsoft Corporation (2026) 2026 Environmental Sustainability Report: Responsibly building the AI future. Microsoft (Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report).No DOIcdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.comCited in 1 article
- Smith, B. and Nakagawa, M. (2026) Responsibly building the AI future. Microsoft On the Issues.No DOIblogs.microsoft.comCited in 1 article