And Microsoft is extending beyond its walls. In May 2007, it began working pro-bono with the Clinton Foundation on a combination of software and online services to help measure, track and analyze carbon footprints in the world's largest cities including New York, Rome, Tokyo and Paris. The software, based on the science of the Local Governments for Sustainability association, is expected out in the spring.

"We can use intelligence and patterns and other types of analysis tools to help cities accelerate innovation around how they address this problem," Bernard says.

Microsoft also is tapping its partners to develop software to assist in environmental sustainability, launching in July a contest called The Ingenuity Point.

Bernard says it all adds up to one massive initiative he must organize and evolve. "The ultimate goal is to drive change into not only our products, but how they are built and used, how they consume energy themselves, and how they are recycled. But just as important is how we help the industry leverage the software to solve these massive environmental problems," he says.

It's a job, Bernard acknowledges, one that is just starting for Microsoft and the industry: "As a society and as a company we are still in the first inning."