45 adaptation, acknowledgement of the loss and damage that is occurring and will occur in the future, and the reduction in coal usage. Named as a principal partner for the event, Microsoft was involved in helping governments and organisations better understand and access digital technologies that support carbon reduction strategies. Ahead of the event, Barclay said that COP26 represented the last chance for governments to agree on a coordinated approach to net zero through carbon reduction and removal strategies. “The UK led the world once in transforming industry and society, now we must do so again,” she said. “The decisions we make in the months ahead must establish the conditions for inclusive economic opportunity and societal resilience against climate change.” Since then, Microsoft has shown tremendous leadership in helping its partners pivot away from lacklustre sustainability strategies. According to Microsoft’s March 2022 Partnering on the road to net zero report, 89 per cent of Microsoft’s UK partners have committed to becoming net zero by 2050, in line with targets set by the UK government. “This research shows that Microsoft’s UK partners are eager to play their part in the UK’s transition to a greener and more prosperous future,” said Orla McGrath, global partner solutions lead at Microsoft UK. “With their deep expertise in delivering innovative technology and consulting solutions, Microsoft partners are well placed to accelerate both their own journey to net zero and that of their customers.” One such partner is data science and cloud consultancy Elastacloud. The company has created a dedicated department to drive its sustainability agenda through customised products and solutions. It has invested in its Sustainability Studio team, which offers training programmes outlining the basics of climate science and climate artificial intelligence (AI) modelling, for employees to use in everyday decision-making and client offerings. It is also working to create products that measure, monitor and assess carbon emissions using AI, allowing clients to measure their performance against environmental, social and governance targets. Technology clearly has a key role to play in shifting approaches to sustainability. Microsoft, along with its ecosystem of partners, is well placed to act as a catalyst for change, with solutions that leverage the power of the internet of things, AI and cloud. For example, in November 2021 Microsoft and Accenture expanded Project Amplify across Asia COV E R S TOR Y “Microsoft’s UK partners are eager to play their part in the UK’s transition to a greener and more prosperous future” OR L A MCGRATH , M I C ROSOF T Photo: UN Climate Change A principal partner at COP26, Microsoft helped governments and organisations access technologies for carbon reduction
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