We created belief...

In January 2020, Microsoft announced bold commitments to be carbon negative by 2030, zero waste by 2030 and water positive by 2030, while removing all its historical carbon by 2050. A year on, Microsoft needed to show its goals were being backed by action: that it had moved from pledge to progress. And that where it went, others could too.

Microsoft’s ambitious goals demanded reporting that demonstrated a holistic approach to the tangible actions being taken, all communicated through a clear and humble tone. We inspired readers and other businesses to take measures of their own through an engaging and accessible ‘shared learnings’ format. We gave each focus area – carbon, water, waste and ecosystems – its own space, tying them together with an overarching narrative.

The report embodied Microsoft’s move from pledge to action and engaged readers of all kinds across the globe. Microsoft is now using it as a business-wide management tool as well as a method to democratise its knowhow beyond its borders. By being so open with its content, thinking and methods, the report has furthered Microsoft’s reputation among businesses all over the world as an organisation to learn and draw from.