Effective February 13, 2024, Microsoft introduced new data and AI solutions in Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, aimed at helping organizations progress in their sustainability journey. These solutions are designed to provide faster environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data analytics and insights, an AI assistant to accelerate impactful decision-making and reporting, and other advanced capabilities.
What is Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability?
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability is a comprehensive suite of tools and solutions designed to help organizations measure, manage, and reduce their environmental footprint. It leverages the power of Microsoft Azure, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to provide actionable insights and drive meaningful change across various industries. From carbon accounting to supply chain optimization, the platform offers a holistic approach to sustainability management.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the new data and AI solutions in Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability:
Microsoft Fabric: A Single Analytics Platform for Sustainability Data
In May 2023, Microsoft unveiled Microsoft Fabric, an end-to-end, analytics SaaS platform that brings together all of an organization’s enterprise data, including ESG data. Microsoft Fabric allows teams to connect to data from anywhere, uncover insights using AI-powered analytics tools in a unified experience, and embed those insights in the applications your people use every day to drive action and improve decision-making.
Now in preview, sustainability data solutions in Microsoft Fabric provide out-of-the-box ESG data model, connectors, and reporting. By connecting their ESG data with Microsoft Fabric, organizations can turn volumes of sustainability data into meaningful insights and progress.
Copilot and Intelligent Insights in Microsoft Sustainability Manager: AI Assistance for Better, Faster Decisions
With centrally managed data and Copilot in Microsoft Sustainability Manager, now in preview, organizations can use powerful generative AI and natural language queries to gain faster lines of sight into and answers out of data. Copilot can quickly analyze environmental data and surface reduction opportunities in areas like carbon and water use, saving work and time. It can also draft sustainability preparatory reports, reducing time and freeing up resources to focus on other priorities.
With intelligent insights in Microsoft Sustainability Manager, also in preview, organizations get an integrated and interactive AI model enabling deeper analysis of calculated emissions data.
As global sustainability progress becomes more pressing, these tangible, transformative solutions can help organizations move forward faster.
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability: enhanced features
Key highlights of the new Data and AI solutions in Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability include:
- Enhanced Analytics: By harnessing advanced analytics capabilities, organizations can gain deeper insights into their environmental footprint. This enables them to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
- Predictive Modeling: Leveraging AI-driven predictive modeling, businesses can forecast future environmental impacts and proactively implement strategies to mitigate risks. This proactive approach helps in reducing environmental harm and enhances long-term sustainability planning.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Sustainable practices extend beyond individual organizations to their entire supply chains. Microsoft’s solutions offer tools to optimize supply chain processes, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. This fosters collaboration among partners and suppliers towards shared sustainability goals.
- Carbon Accounting: Accurately measuring and reporting carbon emissions is fundamental to any sustainability strategy. The new offerings provide robust carbon accounting tools, enabling organizations to track their carbon footprint with precision and meet regulatory requirements effectively.
- Real-time Monitoring: Timely interventions are crucial in addressing environmental challenges. With real-time monitoring capabilities, businesses can actively monitor their operations and respond promptly to anomalies or deviations from sustainability targets.
Benefits of implementing Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability
By integrating these Data and AI solutions into their operations, organizations can unlock a multitude of benefits, including cost savings, risk mitigation, and enhanced brand reputation. Moreover, by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, businesses can attract environmentally conscious consumers and investors, thereby driving long-term growth and competitiveness.
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability continues to evolve as a comprehensive platform for driving positive environmental impact. With these latest additions, the company reaffirms its dedication to empowering businesses to make pledges and achieve tangible progress towards a more sustainable future.
As sustainability remains a top priority for businesses worldwide, Microsoft’s Data and AI solutions offer a beacon of hope, providing the tools and insights needed to turn aspirations into reality. With technology as an enabler, organizations can embark on a journey towards greater environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable world.
More information
For more information about Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, please visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sustainability/cloud.
You find the announcement article about the new Data and AI Solutions in Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability here: https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/02/13/new-data-and-ai-solutions-in-microsoft-cloud-for-sustainability-help-move-organizations-from-pledges-to-progress/.
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