Microsoft has established a new supplier decarbonisation team to tackle the growing carbon footprint of its cloud and AI operations. This initiative comes as the company faces increasing challenges in reducing emissions from its rapidly expanding data centers, driven by the soaring demand for AI computing power.
Key members of the new team include Tim Hopper, the Cloud Supply Chain Sustainability Manager; Ray Waweru, the Senior Program Manager for Cloud Services Sustainability; and Sofia Khan, who will focus on Scope 3 Decarbonisation.
Tim Hopper, a 20-year Microsoft veteran, has recently worked on responsible sourcing and developing the company’s Cloud Supply Chain strategy to align with its ambitious climate goals. His expertise will be vital as Microsoft balances emission reductions with scaling its cloud and AI capabilities.
Ray Waweru, who previously worked at Google, brings expertise in sustainable marketing, having led sustainable arts projects and served as the Director of Sustainable Sourcing and ESG Reporting at WeWork. Sofia Khan, previously a non-executive director at Meta, contributed to developing sustainability strategies there and has experience from sustainability briefings at Quantis and EY. Her role will be crucial in Microsoft’s focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
The formation of this team is a significant step in Microsoft’s broader effort to address rising emissions within its supply chain. While the company aims to cut Scope 3 emissions by over 50% by 2030 compared to 2020, it reported that its Scope 3 emissions in 2023 had increased by more than 30% since 2020.
This growth is largely due to the rapid expansion of data centers needed to support the rising demand for AI and cloud services. Scope 3 emissions, which account for over 96% of Microsoft’s total emissions, stem from indirect sources like its supply chain.