Microsoft is always seeking partnerships to extend energy efficiency in our operations. In 2011 we partnered with E2 Services, an energy consulting leader in the United Kingdom, to find ways to reduce our carbon
footprint in our UK headquarters in Reading. The project was such a success that our Microsoft UK team was honored at the EMAP Energy Awards last Wednesday, December 5, with the Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year and the Judges Supreme Award.
Working with E2, Microsoft UK identified the opportunity to increase energy efficiency across our UK operations by 30 percent within two years. Through robust engagement with employees and management, an actual savings of 38 percent was achieved in the first phase of improvements within only 18 months of initiating the project. Some of the key changes include installing Automated Monitoring & Targeting systems across approximately 200 points within the buildings to allow project progress and savings to be closely monitored, installing high efficiency water heaters and efficient cooling systems (including in the data centers) and redesigning voltage output across all buildings.
The Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year award rewards collaborative efforts at energy reduction. E2’s history with energy efficiency (over 1,000 projects) and Microsoft’s strong commitment from all levels of management ensured independent analysis and internal action. It is a testament to this partnership that the project also received the Judges Supreme award, which honors the project that most impressed the judging panel.
Partnerships with companies like E2 are an important part of Microsoft’s effort to reduce our carbon footprint across our global operations. Congratulations to the Microsoft UK team and everyone involved with this project!