Microsoft has invested in low-carbon cement producer Fortera through its Climate Innovation Fund, in a move aimed at reducing emissions across its datacentre construction footprint. The deal secures Microsoft access to Fortera’s ReAct™ low-carbon cement and related environmental attribute certificates.
The investment supports Microsoft’s wider goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030. Brandon Middaugh, general manager of sustainability markets and the Climate Innovation Fund, said: “Corporate investment can assist in jumpstarting and scaling nascent markets like low-carbon cement. Our team was attracted to Fortera’s approach due to its potential for deep emission reductions, competitive cost targets, and its expected compatibility with existing production infrastructure.”
Fortera’s ReCarb technology is designed to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 70 per cent compared with ordinary portland cement, while meeting cost and performance standards. The technology integrates into existing cement plants, enabling rapid scalability without disrupting operations.
Ryan Gilliam, Fortera’s chief executive, welcomed Microsoft’s involvement, calling it “a catalytic role in overcoming market barriers to decarbonisation.” He added: “Their investment highlights the impact our full commercial-scale plant brings to the low-carbon building materials space.”
As part of the collaboration, Microsoft’s Erik Urosa, group manager of impact investments, will join Fortera’s board of directors as an observer.
