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Today marks the next milestone in Microsoft\u2019s campus modernization effort. Deconstruction is beginning, and buildings will start coming down.<\/p>\n
When the project is complete, the new campus will provide a modern workplace and create greater collaboration and community. To commemorate the original buildings, the company offered an exclusive opportunity for a group of employees to say goodbye to the original campus with a demolition party to kick off the destruction. On Tuesday, one employee and nine of his teammates (who collectively donated money to charity to win the experience via the Employee Giving Campaign<\/a> auction) took to the company\u2019s first buildings equipped with hard hats, sledgehammers and \u201cthe claw.\u201d Check out some highlights from the fun below:<\/p>\n \u201cIt is great to see the interest and excitement from employees for the campus modernization,\u201d said Michael Ford, Microsoft general manager of global real estate and security. \u201cOur employees are crucial to building an exceptional place to work, and this event was a great way to kick off this journey together.\u201d<\/p>\n Moving forward<\/strong><\/p>\n Over the next few months, Microsoft will continue the decommissioning and demolition of 12 buildings, embracing sustainable practices throughout the process.<\/p>\n In 2016, Microsoft became the first technology company in the U.S. to be certified Zero Waste for diverting at least 90 percent of its waste from the landfill. The company\u2019s goal with this project is to remain in line with this certification for construction materials and divert a majority of building materials from the landfill. This means focusing on reusing, donating and recycling. From concrete and steel framing to carpets, ceiling tiles, electronic and networking gear, interior debris and loose assets like furniture, chairs and whiteboards, to even the artificial turf outside \u2014 most of the materials in the old spaces will find a new life.<\/p>\n \u201cWe strive to make a positive impact on the community,\u201d Ford said. \u201cWe\u2019re putting a lot of effort behind finding innovative ways to reduce our impact and optimize our resource usage.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond what is being recycled, the company is also considering where materials will be processed. To maximize sustainability, Microsoft\u2019s construction team is engaging with local waste processing and recycling companies to study and prioritize the hauling distances to further shrink the project\u2019s construction carbon footprint.<\/p>\n \u201cCorporate and environmental responsibility are equally as important as budget and schedule \u2014 and we are aligning our design and construction practices with Microsoft\u2019s global corporate responsibility and sustainability missions,\u201d Ford said. \u201cIt feels good to know that here in our hometown we\u2019re supporting this vision.\u201d<\/p>\n