Taking a principled approach
Whenever Microsoft takes on a new and complex societal issue, we strive first to learn and then to define a principled approach to guide our efforts. In 2020, we did the same with environmental sustainability.
![female scientist writing equations on a clear panel](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-scientist_08-2021_1400x788.jpg)
Grounding in science and math
We will continually ground our work in the best available science and most accurate math.
![Geoexchange construction at Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, Washington (photo by Dan DeLong)](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/Sustainability_Microsoft-TEC-construction5-1400x788-1.jpg)
Taking responsibility for our footprint
By 2030, we will reduce our own carbon emissions by more than half and remove more carbon than we emit each year.
![close up of a hydrogen fuel cell](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-new-solutions_08-2021_1400x788.jpg)
Investing in new solutions and technology
We will deploy at least $1 billion of our own capital to accelerate the development of carbon reduction and removal technologies that will help us and the world become carbon negative.
![aerial view of a mountain top wind farm](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-empowering_08-2021_1400x788.jpg)
Empowering customers and partners around the world
We will develop and deploy technology to help our suppliers and customers around the world reduce their carbon footprints as well.
![photo of a forest through a lens ball](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-transparency_08-2021_1400x788.jpg)
Ensuring effective transparency
We will publish an annual sustainability report that provides transparency on our progress.
![photo of three business people talking in an outdoor setting](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-policy_08-2021_1400x788.jpg)
Using our voice on climate-related public policy issues
We will support new public policy initiatives to accelerate carbon reduction and removal opportunities.
![photo of male and female employees reviewing information on a tablet](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/08/EnvSustainability-employees_1400x788.jpg)
Enlisting our employees
We recognize that our employees will be our biggest asset in advancing innovation, and we will create new opportunities to enable them to contribute to our efforts.