Microsoft has introduced new measures to reduce the carbon footprint of its datacenter construction, beginning with a pilot project using wood-based materials as alternatives to traditional steel and concrete. This approach aims to address emissions associated with construction as Microsoft scales its datacenter infrastructure to support cloud and AI services. With goals to achieve carbon negativity by 2030, Microsoft seeks practical ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions linked to embodied carbon in building materials.

A central element of Microsoft’s strategy is the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), a prefabricated wood material known for its strength, fire resistance, and durability. Constructed by layering wood at perpendicular angles, CLT is designed to be structurally stable and fire-resistant, making it viable for applications that would typically require more carbon-intensive materials. The pilot datacenters in Virginia will feature CLT in portions of the floors and ceilings, which traditionally use thick concrete layers that require heavy steel reinforcements.

By substituting CLT for concrete and steel, Microsoft estimates that embodied carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 35% when compared with steel-based construction and up to 65% relative to conventional concrete. Additionally, using lighter materials like CLT can reduce the overall weight of the structure, lessening the need for steel reinforcements and further curbing the carbon impact.

Alongside material changes, Microsoft is implementing additional strategies to lower construction emissions. These include updates to construction contracts that prioritize low-carbon materials and further investments in companies developing sustainable building technologies, such as CarbonCure and Boston Metal, through its Climate Innovation Fund. By incorporating these practices, Microsoft aims to foster a more sustainable datacenter infrastructure while also supporting the growth of low-carbon solutions within the construction sector.

Microsoft’s efforts to reduce embodied carbon in datacenters reflect its broader commitment to reducing emissions across its supply chain, with ongoing plans to evaluate and expand its use of alternative materials to achieve greater sustainability.