Microsoft’s Reliance on Timber to Cut Carbon Seems Counterintuitive

To meet ambitious climate goals by 2030, Microsoft is looking to reduce carbon emissions wherever it can and opts to use timber in the newest US data centre. But will it help cut emissions, or is it literally just a facade?

Today’s ESG updates cover Microsoft’s innovative push for low-carbon data centres using sustainable materials, MainStreet Partners’ appointment of Sophie Meatyard as funds research director, Germany’s planned update to its Green Bond Framework, and Canada’s expansion of mandatory climate disclosures for large companies. These moves underscore a strong commitment to advancing ESG and sustainability goals across sectors and countries.

Microsoft advances carbon reduction with sustainable data centre construction

Microsoft is updating its data centre construction. Requiring low-carbon materials,? the tech giant is pioneering the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in U.S. data centres. Microsoft’s recent sustainability moves include supply chain decarbonisation, carbon removal contracts, and expanded ESG tools. The good news is that it is no longer necessary to be a tech giant to go on a sustainability journey; just start with an AI-powered ESG tool.

Further reading: Microsoft builds first data centres with wood to slash carbon emissions

Mainstreet partners appoint Sophie Meatyard as fund research director

MainStreet Partners has named Sophie Meatyard as the research director. Meatyard’s previous experiences include ESG ratings, regulatory updates and manager sustainability engagement. The objective of her role is to enhance transparency and assist investors in making informed, compliance-focused decisions by strengthening MainStreet’s ESG fund ratings and analytics.

Further reading: MainStreet Partners hires Sophie Meatyard as funds research director

Canada expands climate-related disclosure requirements for large companies

The Canadian government is expanding sustainability-related disclosure mandates to include large, large private companies. Adding to the newly introduced sustainable investment taxonomy, the new disclosure rules will amend the Canada Business Corporations Act. While small- and medium-sized businesses are not mandated, they are encouraged to voluntarily report climate impacts. Since this can be a costly and time-intensive endeavour, industry leaders increasingly use AI-powered CSRD reporting software.

Further reading: Government advances Made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines?

Germany appoints DZ Bank and Deutsche Bank as coordinators for updated green bond framework

Germany has selected D.Z. Bank and Deutsche Bank to coordinate the 2025 revision of its Green Bond Framework, reinforcing its sustainable finance goals. Since 2020, Germany’s “Twin Bonds” model—offering both green and conventional bonds—has attracted strong global interest, raising over €73 billion. The update emphasises Germany’s commitment to sustainable finance, solidifying its role as a leader in green financial markets. *** Further reading: Germany reinforces sustainable finance leadership with updated Green Bond Framework

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit:Ales Krivec

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