In today’s business landscape, sustainability management and reporting is a critical component of corporate responsibility and operational efficiency. Microsoft Business Central has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into business processes, and the latest updates bring even more robust tools to help organisations manage their environmental impact effectively.
Enhanced Sustainability Management Capabilities
The latest release of Microsoft Business Central introduces several new features aimed at improving sustainability reporting and management. These enhancements are designed to help businesses track, analyse, and report their environmental impact with greater accuracy and ease.
1. Comprehensive Data Collection and Tracking
One of the standout features is the ability to collect sustainability information through various channels. Businesses can use sustainability journals and purchase documents to gather data directly or via formulas.
This includes tracking emissions per company, country, region, or facility, and even purchasing carbon credits directly within Business Central.
The integration of external emission factors ensures that calculations are accurate and up-to-date, leveraging exposed APIs for seamless data import.
2. Modern Sustainability Role Center
The new Sustainability Role Center provides a centralised hub for monitoring all sustainability information and key performance indicators (KPIs).
This feature allows users to easily track progress against baselines and targets using scorecards and goals.
The Role Center is designed to offer intuitive insights, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of their sustainability objectives.
3. Advanced Reporting and Insights
Business Central now offers enhanced reporting capabilities, including standard reports and modern Excel reporting with analysis views for sustainability entries.
Users can compare sustainability entries with statistical or general ledger (GL) entries using Financial Reports.
This functionality supports reporting on different greenhouse gases or CO2 equivalents, as well as water and waste management.
Customisable reports allow businesses to focus on specific sustainability metrics relevant to their operations, ensuring tailored insights for unique sustainability objectives.
Integration with ESG Standards
The latest updates also include features that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Starting from the 2024 release wave 1, businesses can track and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across three scopes defined by ESG standards.
This includes using sustainability journals and built-in calculation methods to ensure accurate and compliant reporting.
The new Chart of Sustainability Accounts provides a structured framework for organizing and analysing emission data, making it easier for businesses to manage their environmental footprint.
Seamless Compliance Reporting
Business Central users can now integrate the Project ESG Reporting app with the Sustainability module for streamlined compliance reporting.
This integration supports standards like CSRD, ASRS, and BRSR, with future expansions planned.
The ability to seamlessly align with these standards ensures that businesses can meet regulatory requirements while driving positive environmental and social impact.
Conclusion
The latest updates in Microsoft Business Central’s sustainability reporting capabilities represent a significant step forward in helping businesses manage their environmental impact. With enhanced data collection, advanced reporting, and integration with ESG standards, Business Central provides comprehensive tools for effective sustainability management. These features enable businesses to drive positive change, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By leveraging these new capabilities, organisations can position themselves as leaders in sustainability. Microsoft Business Central continues to innovate, ensuring that businesses have the tools they need to make informed decisions and drive meaningful environmental and social impact.
Find out more about Sustainability in Microsoft Business Central here.
Find out more about Microsoft Business Central here.