Microsoft has been recognized for its commitment to responsible environmental leadership for everything from using data to fight wildfires to smart buildings to recycling. In today’s Microsoft Green Blog, editor Josh Henretig notes two programs in Japan that have also been gaining recognition.
The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Program was recently recognized by the MM Research Institute for its commitment to green IT. The program has led to a significant increase of refurbished PC sales in Japan over the last three years. What makes the MAR Program even more notable – not only does it divert e-waste from landfills, it increases access to information by providing affordable technology solutions around the country.
Henretig also highlights an eco-friendly agriculture collaboration that began in 2012 between Meiji University in Japan and Microsoft. An agricultural field test uses a drip irrigation system to save water and fertilizer by depositing it only where it’s needed. It’s powered by Windows Azure, which enables them to analyze data from the system – such as the temperature, water and nitric acid content of the soil – in order to control the drip irrigation. The university also uses a Windows 8 app to monitor the system, making it easy to view the status in real time.
“Reducing the impact our business and businesses around the world have on the environment is a shared global challenge,” says Henretig, “and we’re proud of the work our teams across geographic locations are doing to support promote environmental stewardship.”
Read more of the story on the Microsoft Green Blog.
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Deborah Pisano
Microsoft News Center Staff