Carbon dioxide removal

Removing our historical carbon emissions by 2050

Read our FY23 briefing paper View our procurement cycle

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.

Read our public commitment View our progress

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.

Close-up view of soybeans in a large farm

Procurement cycle

Our carbon removal procurement cycle is now open throughout the year. Please review our criteria and projects to assess proposal eligibility.

View our FY22 project dashboard

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.

Review our guidance View the cover letter

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.

Picture of a mossy tree trunk in the middle of a lush forest.

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.

Close up of a person planting seeds in a forest

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.

Climeworks new large-scale direct air capture and storage plant “Orca”

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.

View the criteria PDF

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.

Read the Buyers Principles

Buyers Guide for Sustainable Biomass Sourcing

View applied guidance for biomass sourcing in CDR projects.

Read the Buyers Guide

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.

Apply now

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.

View our white paper

Applicant support

Need assistance to complete your application? View our frequently asked questions or a step-by-step guide for submitting applications.

View our FAQ PDF Get the Applicant User Guide

Past publications

Interested in revisiting our previous lessons learned and submissions? Review our resources from past years.

Read the FY22 briefing paper Read the FY21 briefing paper View FY21 project submissions

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