Last week, Microsoft announced the latest – and perhaps most ambitious – of its sustainable efforts: next fall, it will break ground on a multi-year campus renewal project at its Redmond, Washington campus that will include 18 new buildings, over 620,000 square metres of renovated workspace, $150 million in transportation infrastructure improvements, public spaces, sports fields and green space.

The new campus will be divided into a series of “team neighbourhoods”, creating a more open and less formal work environment that captures more natural light. The new buildings themselves will focus on inclusive design and accessible technology. 

But the real innovation is in the exterior: Microsoft wants to create more opportunities to exercise, play and connect with nature for Microsoft employees and those who live nearby. Plans include a 8,000-square metre open plaza that will hold up to 12,000 people, running and walking trails, facilities for football and cricket, and retail space.

The campus will be built for pedestrians and bicycles, and all cars will be moved to an underground parking facility. The company will construct a pedestrian- and cyclist-only bridge across a highway to connect both sides of its campus and will even link the campus to a light rail system scheduled for completion in 2030.

The Redmond campus is already certified as zero waste and the redesign will focus further on waste reduction initiatives.