Expect to see a tad less smoke billowing out Microsoft’s smokestacks. The company plans on reducing its carbon footprint by 30% of 2007′s level by 2012. In order to do this, standard techniques will be employed that will also reduce energy bills and help the bottom line.

You know the drill, reduce air travel, increase use of renewable energy, and turning off the lights when you’re not working. Plus, the company is using locally processes biodiesel in construction. All these changes are great, but why is the company just starting to do these things? Seriously, Billy Gates, why now.