The Microsoft Campus is the headquarters of Microsoft Corporation, located in Redmond, Washington. The campus is extended over 500 acres and serves as the hub for one of the largest technology companies in the world. The campus also features a mix of green, modern, and innovative spaces, which helps further illustrate Microsoft’s commitment to the environment. The campus is also home to thousands of team members who work in various divisions and features state-of-the-art amenities to support the well-being and productivity of its team members. Amenities include modern workspaces, recreational and fitness facilities, walking trails, cafeterias, and outdoor gathering areas. The goal is to create an environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and work-life balance.
In 2010, the Microsoft Corporation engaged with the DB team to optimize the energy used at its headquarters. The project’s objective was to connect 15 million square feet at Microsoft’s Campus to a Data Collection and Analytics tool enabling the Microsoft team to configure fault rules and reports per their requirements.
In addition to realizing savings, these efforts would contribute to Microsoft’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while contributing to its sustainability strategy.
The Approach
Our team worked closely with the facilities maintenance team to identify areas where systems could be optimized. Specifically, our team provided fault detection and energy savings algorithms, developed reports, and provided training for the facilities maintenance team in order to utilize new tools.
In addition, our team provided the following services as part of the project:
• Developed energy-saving goals and ROI from practical, on-campus experience with traditional Retro-Commissioning practices.
• Provided detailed review of all building systems (electrical and mechanical) before onboarding.
• Maintained strict standards for data quality and normalization.
• Developed and refined visualizations based on changing and varied end-user requirements.
• Provided full-time operations centre support, driving energy savings through direct interaction with facilities teams.
In addition, the DB team has also provided supplementary services, including a life cycle renewal plan, new construction peer reviews, HVAC building standards, specialty lab services and an energy conservation program management. All of which were carried out in collaboration with the Microsoft maintenance team.
The Result
As a result of our teams’ efforts, the Microsoft Redmond Campus has realized $26 million in savings over five years. Our team continues to work with the facilities maintenance team to support the developed program along with mechanical engineering support while leveraging data analytics. As a result of the success of the program, the DB team has worked with additional Microsoft campuses across the United States and around the world.
The Microsoft Campus in Redmond is not only a place of work but also an icon of the company’s commitment to transforming and impacting the world through sustainability and technology. It serves as proof of Microsoft’s continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. The Microsoft Campus is a vibrant and dynamic place where talented individuals can come together to create innovative solutions, shape the future of technology, and contribute to Microsoft’s mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Photo Credit:
Redmond Campus:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Building92microsoft.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Building_92_of_Microsoft_Redmond_Campus_-_panoramio.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Building_92_of_Microsoft_Redmond_Campus_-_panoramio.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Intersection_on_the_Microsoft_Redmond_campus.jpg
Microsoft Suzhou:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Microsoft_Suzhou_Building.jpg
Microsoft Beijing:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Microsoft_China_headquarters_%2820201130130825%29.jpg
Microsoft Shanghai:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Microsoft_at_Shanghai_-_panoramio.jpg
