Sustainability – A Critical Element for Future Business Growth
United Nations Brundtland Commission defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
There are many aspects of sustainability. Environmental sustainability is the ability to maintain an ecological balance and conserve natural resources to support the well-being of future generations, and Sustainable Development is taking measures to develop for today’s society without depleting natural resources or harming the health and well-being of future generations. Of the many key terms outlining sustainability measures, one is Net zero – defining the quantity of greenhouse gas (GHG) released into the atmosphere equating it with the quantity removed from it.
The world is at a tipping point on sustainability. Investors are increasing their focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements, consumers are demanding transparency and accountability, governments are setting legally binding targets, and companies are marching ahead with bold commitments.
Sustainability measures provide an organization to create a positive environmental and social impact. Sustainability concerns for the global IT service industry may be different from those faced by manufacturing industrial units, but their significance remains high, as it has become a crucial factor in deciding business success.
Key Initiatives to Attain Sustainability Goals
Initiating and meeting sustainability goals requires robust governance both at the Management-level and within the organization itself. They need to be aware about developing robust ESG reporting processes to help streamline efforts based on ESG needs. They also need to enter new alliances to pool resources, merge expertise, mitigate risks associated with high fixed-cost investments, and swiftly deliver sustainable outcomes at scale. Executive leadership, almost everywhere, has started applying the thrust toward sustainability as an opportunity to create new value.
Sustainability Tools in Use
Sustainability tools in use are both legacy- and Cloud-based. They can be as simplistic as flowcharts indicating progressive steps and their impact, SWOT analyses matrices, balanced scorecards translating organizational objectives into performance measures, or as sophisticated as AI-pivoted real-time dashboards and SaaS platforms. Product reformulation, design re-think, scope for alternative packaging, and cleaner logistics are also realms for eco-friendly solutions.
Speaking about Microsoft, Microsoft Sustainability Manager (MSM) is an extensible solution that aggregates data intelligence and provides comprehensive, integrated, and automated sustainability management for organizations at any stage of their sustainability journey. It automates manual processes, enabling organizations to record, report, and reduce their emissions and water or waste impact more efficiently. MSM keeps a track of the sustainability goals of today’s dynamic business world, offering Cloud-based services and bespoke marketplace solutions.
"Sustainability is the ability of an organization to create a positive environmental and social impact. Executive leadership almost everywhere has started applying the thrust toward sustainability as an opportunity to create new value. Microsoft Sustainability Manager (MSM) is a practical tool to gauge water wastage and greenhouse gas emissions. At MOURI Tech, we firmly believe that every small to large effort taken to improve the environment leaves a positive impact on the ‘cultural fabric’ of the organization.”
– Hitendra Munjampally
Associate Director, Microsoft
Benefits of Deploying Microsoft Sustainability Manager from MOURI Tech
The Microsoft Sustainability Manager-based offering by MOURI Tech extends techno-functional expertise in integrating and analyzing data instrumental in assessing, defining, and executing sustainability plans. Deploying MSM makes businesses sturdier to withstand market fluctuations and gain competitive advantage. MSM also helps to make the supply chains smarter and is designed to take care of emissions, tracking energy monitoring and water usage. MSM allows effective data management across Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect), and Scope 3 (value chain).
At MOURI Tech, we firmly believe that every small to large effort taken to improve the environment leaves a positive impact on the ‘cultural fabric’ of the organization. We encourage best practices in sustainability, Green IT consulting, carbon footprint assessments and ESG reporting, so the inclusion of MSM adds value to our portfolio.
As an organization, we are committed to continuously recording, reporting, and monitoring the data generated on power and water ‘expenditure.’. Our benchmarks of sustainability are set as per industry standards, and we are well-positioned to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.
Endnote:
To recapitulate, Microsoft Sustainability Manager offering of MOURI Tech emerges as a pivotal tool, seamlessly integrating environmental responsibility with business efficiency. By automating emissions tracking, energy monitoring, and water usage, MSM not only fortifies businesses to navigate market fluctuations but also elevates their competitive edge. MOURI Tech’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with MSM’s capabilities, contributes to a culture of positive environmental impact, fostering a win-win scenario, where clients achieve their sustainability goals while nurturing a greener future for our planet.
Webliography:
The Green Economy Has a Resource-Scarcity Problem (hbr.org)
Benefits of deploying Microsoft Sustainability Manager – Search (bing.com)
Six Steps to a Sustainability Transformation | BCG
6 Tools for Sustainable Product and Business Model Innovation | Dr. Robert Gerlach | tbd.community
Author Bio:
Hitendra Munjampally
Associate Director, Microsoft
Hitendra has a strong track record of leading and enabling teams to deliver cutting-edge IT solutions to enterprise customers across Hi-Tech, Manufacturing & Health, Energy & Utilities, Travel & Logistics and Services industry domains. He has extensive experience in developing IT strategy, next-gen service offerings, pre-sales, technology solutions & accelerators to help customers digitalize and modernize their workloads, leveraging Microsoft capabilities.
