Carbon dioxide removal
Removing our historical carbon emissions by 2050
Our commitment
We’ve committed to be carbon negative by 2030. This means reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than half, removing the rest, and then removing the equivalent of our historical emissions by 2050.
Our approach
As one of the first companies to source carbon removal, we’re committed to solutions that provide maximum positive impact, transparency, and collective market intelligence.
Transparency
Contributing to collective market intelligence by sharing our lessons learned and project insights with the industry.
Integrity and practicality
Supporting solutions that meet our specific quality criteria while maintaining practicality for corporate procurement.
Durability and consistency
Sourcing projects that keep carbon out of the atmosphere, monitor for reversals, and provide recourse in case of failure.
Market transformation
Signaling demand for carbon removal by supporting innovative removal solutions.
Getting started with a proposal
We’re now accepting proposals that meet our prerequisites and criteria on a first come, first-served basis. To join our journey to be carbon negative by 2030 and apply for the Microsoft carbon removal procurement cycle, start by reviewing our guidance document and cover letter for application requirements and expectations.
Microsoft carbon dioxide removal prerequisites
We will continue to look for best-in-class natural and engineered solutions that meet the following requirements:
Net negativity
Demonstrating evidence of removing atmospheric carbon dioxide on a lifecycle basis.
Scientific verification
Independently reviewed by our third-party scientific advisors and/or verified by standards.
Social and environmental benefits
Avoiding and minimizing environmental and social harm while supporting social equity and sustainability.
Projects of interest
We procure credits from a range of high-quality carbon removal solutions. When selecting projects for the coming year, we will prioritize proposals that demonstrate and ability to deliver high quality and high-volume improvements. Read below to understand our criteria.
Low-durability solutions
Forestry and soil-based projects are typically durable for up to 100 years and represent high volume potential in the short term. We will prioritize projects that demonstrate clear calculations and methodologies.
Medium-durability solutions
Biochar and other types of carbon dioxide utilization sequester carbon for 100 to 1,000 years. We will prioritize projects that provide a full lifecycle analysis, adhere to best practices in feedstock and disposition, and avoid any human health hazards.
High-durability solutions
Direct air capture, biomass carbon removal and storage, and mineralization have durability terms of greater than 1,000 years. We will prioritize projects with responsible storage, monitoring strategies, and full lifecycle assessments.
Ideal project criteria
Review the different types of projects to learn more about our ideal project specifications.
Microsoft Criteria for High-Quality CDR
Read this guide to understand carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project quality requirements.
Buyers Principles for Responsible ERW
Interested in enhanced rock weathering (ERW) carbon dioxide removal? View these four principles that can help safeguard ERW credit quality.
Buyers Guide for Sustainable Biomass Sourcing
View applied guidance for biomass sourcing in CDR projects.
Submit a proposal
Applications are now being accepted on a first come, first-served basis, so we strongly encourage you to confirm that your project meets our prerequisites and apply as soon as possible. We will consider proposals for future-year procurement throughout the year.
Additional resources
CDR accounting
Learn about our approach to accounting for corporate purchases of CDR in a compatible way with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Applicant support
Need assistance to complete your application? View our frequently asked questions or a step-by-step guide for submitting applications.
Past publications
Interested in revisiting our previous lessons learned and submissions? Review our resources from past years.
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