How technology can make sustainability management more efficient

In a world of accelerating resource depletion and widening inequality gaps, sustainability management is the way forward. For companies, this means urgently redefining how they operate to function in harmony with our planet and its inhabitants. 

In this way, economic progress will no longer be at the expense of environmental preservation. On the contrary, it will promote a business ethic for collective well-being. 

In this blog, we will tell you what sustainability management is and what its benefits are. In addition, we will discuss how technology can help you achieve your business goals, without neglecting the impact on the environment and your business competitiveness. 

What is sustainability management?

Sustainability management in an organization refers to the adoption of practices and policies that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into its operations and business decisions.  

It aims to create long-term value for the company and its stakeholders while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society.

An organization that applies sustainability management is characterized by:  

• Consider practices to reduce environmental degradation and address climate change.
• Seeking to reduce social injustice, inequality, and impact on communities.
• Being transparent with stakeholders about its practices and achievements.
• Exploring innovative solutions and balancing short- and long-term benefits.

What are the benefits of sustainability management?

Beyond the obvious positive impact that these companies generate in their environment, there are great advantages that benefit them as organizations:

• By being committed to Environmental Responsibility

Sustainable management ensures that companies operate in an environmentally responsible manner. For example, with the reduction of carbon footprint, the efficient use of natural resources, and the protection of ecosystems. 

• Inspiring trust 

Sustainable companies generate trust from customers, investors, and society at large. 

• Ensuring regulatory compliance

Environmental and social regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Therefore, when a company incorporates technologies that concentrate information and automate processes, it ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Promoting the efficient use of resources

Sustainability management promotes the efficient use of resources, reducing costs and improving productivity. This implies that information is consolidated and ways are sought to optimize processes based on this information. 

• Innovation and Competitiveness

Sustainable companies are more innovative and attractive to talent, partners, and even customers. In other words, sustainability can be a competitive differentiator in the market.

How technology can help you optimize sustainability management 

A tool suitable for your sustainability management needs can drive transformation and improve your company’s performance.

For example, Microsoft Sustainability Manager is a solution that unifies data intelligence. While providing comprehensive, integrated and automated sustainability management for organizations.

No matter where you are on your sustainability journey, it allows you to:

• automate manual processes, helping to reduce the environmental impact of your organization,
• prepare for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting requirement,
• meet sustainability commitments.

Among the specific functionalities, Microsoft Sustainability Manager offers:

• Continuous visibility into your organization’s water data and emissions activities.
• Reliable information on impact and progress in near real time.
• The intelligence needed to collaborate with others, refine and scale sustainability initiatives, and transform the business from start to finish.

To increasingly automate data connections and calculations, you can get the right level of support for your organization by choosing from:

• Microsoft Sustainability Manager Essentials: Includes carbon footprint sustainability management with pre-built calculation methodologies. As well as basic water and waste sustainability management functions.
• Microsoft Sustainability Manager Premium: Expands the Essentials version with more carbon, water, and waste sustainability management features. As well as interaction tools for suppliers and advanced AI functions.

Additionally, it is important to highlight that these tools are powered by the use of the Azure cloud, expanding their reach and efficiency in a scalable way. Thus, sustainability management through tools such as those offered by Microsoft can help your company gain competitiveness while minimizing the impact on the environment and society.

At Wezen, we have a team of experts who will accompany you in the process of transforming sustainability management through technology.  Write to us.

Sources:

• Andreabichsel. (2024, 22 febrero). Microsoft Sustainability Manager overview – Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability. Microsoft Learn. URL