Microsoft Unveils Data Solutions to Accelerate Sustainability Progress
Microsoft introduces data and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in its Cloud for Sustainability to help organizations drive progress in sustainability
Organizations around the world are increasingly recognizing the urgency of global sustainability, yet only a small percentage have integrated sustainability into their business strategies. In response to this gap, Microsoft has launched new data and AI solutions in its Cloud for Sustainability platform to support organizations in their sustainability journey.
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability offers capabilities to accelerate sustainability progress
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability provides a range of capabilities to help organizations make progress in their sustainability efforts. These include faster environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data analytics and insights, an AI assistant for more impactful decision-making and reporting, and advanced tools to drive sustainability progress.
Microsoft Fabric brings together enterprise data, including previously inaccessible ESG data
Microsoft Fabric, introduced in May 2023, is an analytics platform that enables organizations to connect their enterprise data, including ESG data that may have been hard to access before. With Microsoft Fabric, teams can easily access and analyze data, leverage AI-powered analytics tools, and integrate insights into their everyday applications.
Sustainable data solutions in Microsoft Fabric accelerate time to insights and sustainability progress
With the inclusion of sustainability data solutions, organizations can now accelerate their time to insights and make progress in their sustainability journey. By connecting their ESG data with Microsoft Fabric, organizations can transform large volumes of sustainability data into meaningful insights and drive progress.
Microsoft Sustainability Manager offers centralized data and AI-powered features for quick insights
Microsoft Sustainability Manager, now in preview, provides organizations with centrally managed data and an AI-powered feature called Copilot. Using generative AI and natural language queries, organizations can quickly gain insights and answers from their data. Copilot can analyze environmental data, identify reduction opportunities, and save time and effort.
Intelligent insights in Microsoft Sustainability Manager enable deeper analysis of emissions data
Microsoft Sustainability Manager includes an integrated AI model that enables organizations to conduct deeper analysis of emissions data. This AI model helps organizations identify areas where data needs cleaning or where more complete data is required. It also helps organizations uncover reduction opportunities based on historical trends, seasonality, and data anomalies.
Real-world examples demonstrate the benefits of Microsoft’s sustainability solutions
Organizations such as Södra and Allegiant Stadium have leveraged Microsoft’s sustainability solutions to enhance their sustainability practices. Södra, Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, has improved its sustainability reporting through automated flows with the help of Microsoft Sustainability Manager. Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, has achieved LEED Gold certification and uses Microsoft Sustainability Manager to optimize resource utilization.
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability expands through partnerships
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability is designed to be expanded by partners operating at the intersection of sustainability and AI. For example, Avanade’s copilot for ESG simplifies regulatory compliance reporting and generates audit-ready reports.
Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability and leveraging data and AI for progress
Microsoft recognizes that integrating AI and data can deliver tangible progress in sustainability efforts. By leveraging the power of data and AI, organizations can enhance decision-making, reporting, and explore new business opportunities while moving towards a transformative future.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Microsoft’s introduction of data and AI solutions in its Cloud for Sustainability will help organizations accelerate their sustainability progress. The range of capabilities offered, including faster data analytics, AI assistant, and advanced tools, will enable organizations to turn sustainability data into meaningful insights and drive progress. Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability and its recognition of the power of data and AI will benefit decision-making, reporting, and business opportunities in the future. Expect increased adoption of Microsoft’s sustainability solutions in the market.
