MICROSOFT

This award is bestowed upon Microsoft for its exceptional leadership in integrating carbon credits into its ambitious net-negative carbon strategy, underscoring its profound positive impact and visionary outlook for global environmental health.

Microsoft has established a benchmark of excellence by actively seeking not only to offset, but to remove more carbon than it emits, strategically utilising credit purchases as a fundamental pillar of this approach. This is evident through its significant acquisitions of high-quality carbon removal credits, exemplified by the 60,000 soil carbon credits from Indigo Ag and a substantial 1.5 million tonne agreement with Climate Impact Partners. Microsoft distinguishes itself through its rigorous prioritisation of durability, additionality, and robust verification in the credit projects it supports, investing exclusively in solutions with stringent methodologies and demonstrable co-benefits, which reflects an unparalleled degree of integrity and performance.

Microsoft’s commitment extends beyond mere purchasing, encompassing proactive collaboration with developers and strategic investment in research to accelerate the scaling of new carbon removal technologies. While the inherent complexities and nascent stage of the removals market present challenges, Microsoft stands out for its exemplary transparency in reporting on its progress and the stringent criteria governing its purchases. This award celebrates its comprehensive leadership as a pivotal carbon credit 'buyer', its innovative methodology, and its profound ability to influence the maturation and credibility of the voluntary market, positioning Microsoft as a true driving force in global climate action with a long-term vision.