Tech Giant Aims to Decarbonize Supply Chain Emissions by 2030

  • Microsoft reports a 31% rise in emissions from supply chain and indirect sources compared to 2020 baseline.
  • The company aims for main suppliers to use 100% renewable energy by 2030.
  • This is part of an update to the Supplier Code of Conduct starting in 2025 fiscal year.
  • Microsoft’s goal is to be carbon negative by 2030, but Scope 3 emissions are a challenge.
  • Scope 1 & 2 emissions decreased by 6.3%, while Scope 3 increased by 31% in 2023.
  • Main suppliers include Samsung Electronics, RealTek, and SK Hynix with varying renewable energy goals.

Microsoft has reported a 31% increase in emissions from its supply chain and indirect sources compared to its 2020 baseline, making up over 96% of the company’s total emissions. The tech giant plans to require its main suppliers to use 100% renewable energy by 2030 as part of an update to its Supplier Code of Conduct starting in the 2025 fiscal year. This move could have a significant impact on the industry’s efforts to decarbonize, given Microsoft’s extensive supply chain and market dominance. The company aims to be carbon negative by 2030 but is falling short on Scope 3 emissions (those from its supply chain and indirect sources). While Scope 1 & 2 emissions decreased by 6.3%, Scope 3 increased by 31% in 2023, with the construction of datacenters and hardware components contributing to the rise. Main suppliers Samsung Electronics, RealTek, and SK Hynix have varying renewable energy goals.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Microsoft’s emissions and climate goals, including specific numbers and details about the company’s plans for reducing Scope 3 emissions through supplier requirements. It also includes relevant information about the company’s main suppliers and their sustainability goals. The article is objective and informative without any significant bias or misleading statements.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Microsoft’s efforts to reduce emissions from its supply chain and other indirect sources, but could benefit from more detailed analysis of the company’s progress towards its climate goals and a deeper exploration of the challenges it faces in meeting them. The article also lacks specific data or examples to support some claims.
Public Companies: Microsoft (MSFT), Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), RealTek (N/A), SK Hynix (000660.KS)
Key People: Melanie Nakagawa (Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Microsoft’s supply chain and related tech companies
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Microsoft’s efforts to reduce emissions from its supply chain and the impact on the tech sector, which can potentially affect the financial performance of the company and other suppliers in the industry. This is relevant as it could lead to changes in costs and operations for these companies, thus impacting their financial results.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The focus of the article is on Microsoft’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and emissions, particularly from its supply chain.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com