Microsoft Corporation, commonly referred to as Microsoft, is a leading technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA. Founded in 1975, Microsoft has evolved into a global powerhouse in the software, hardware, and cloud computing industries, with significant operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Renowned for its innovative products, Microsoft’s core offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and Azure cloud services. These products are distinguished by their user-friendly interfaces and robust functionality, catering to both individual and enterprise needs. With a strong market position, Microsoft consistently ranks among the top technology firms worldwide, celebrated for its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Key milestones, such as the launch of Windows 95 and the expansion of Azure, underscore its pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape.
How does Microsoft's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Computer Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Microsoft's score of 100 is higher than 100% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, Microsoft reported total carbon emissions of approximately 15,543,000,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at about 143,510,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions (market-based) at approximately 259,090,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions reaching about 15,140,000,000 kg CO2e. This represents a slight decrease from 2023, where total emissions were about 16,935,000,000 kg CO2e. Microsoft has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions to near zero by 2025 and to cut its Scope 3 emissions by more than half by 2030. The company is also committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon from the environment than it emits. By 2050, Microsoft plans to eliminate an amount of carbon equivalent to all its historical emissions since its founding in 1975. The company has established specific targets, including a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2020 baseline by 2030, and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity per unit of revenue by 2030 from a 2017 base year. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and climate neutrality across all scopes of emissions.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2013 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 100,561,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 819,582,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
Microsoft's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 8% last year and increased by approximately 42% since 2017, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Nearly all of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing nearly all emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Capital Goods" being the largest emissions source at 40% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Microsoft has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Microsoft's sustainability data and climate commitments