Microsoft is backing green cement manufacturer Fortera in a bid to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon building materials across its global datacentre operations.
The strategic investment, made through the company’s $1bn Climate Innovation Fund, will support the construction of Fortera’s first full-scale commercial plant and secure Microsoft procurement rights for its low-carbon cement.
The new facility, capable of producing 400,000 tons of cement annually, will deploy Fortera’s “ReCarb” and “ReAct” technologies.
The company says these processes can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional portland cement, while maintaining performance standards.
“We are making long-term investments that will help us achieve our 2030 carbon negative goals,” said Brandon Middaugh, general manager of sustainability markets and the Climate Innovation Fund at Microsoft.
“Corporate investment can assist in jumpstarting and scaling nascent markets like low-carbon cement. Our team was attracted to Fortera’s approach due to its potential for deep emission reductions, competitive cost targets, and compatibility with existing production infrastructure.”
Microsoft is pushing to cut its Scope 3 supply chain emissions while stimulating demand for low-carbon construction materials.
Alongside the investment, Microsoft has secured environmental attribute certificates tied to Fortera’s cement production.
A ‘Bolt-On’ solution
Fortera’s technology is designed to integrate with existing cement plants, allowing producers to lower emissions without overhauling their infrastructure.
The company has been gaining traction in the market, with recent partnerships including lime producer Graymont and pilot deployments in real-world construction projects.
“Microsoft’s collaboration with Fortera aligns with our goal to advance novel technologies to commercially available products,” said Fortera chief executive Ryan Gilliam.
“Their investment highlights the impact our full commercial-scale plant brings to the low-carbon building materials space.”
As part of the deal, Microsoft’s Erik Urosa, group manager of impact investments, will join Fortera’s board of directors as an observer.
The partnership marks another step in Microsoft’s broader decarbonization strategy, which includes investments in carbon removal, clean energy, and industrial innovation.
For Fortera, the backing could help cement its position as a leading player in the race to bring low-carbon construction materials to scale.
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