One Microsoft Fabric announcement during Microsoft Ignite that I think should get more attention is the fact that Sustainability data solutions in Fabric is now Generally Available (GA).
For those who are not aware Sustainability data solutions in Fabric is one of solutions offered as part of the Industry Solutions workload. Which is now also GA and officially recognized as a Microsoft Fabric workload.
I intend to cover why I think this is significant in this post. Along the way I share some links.
About Sustainability data solutions in Fabric
Sustainability data solutions in Fabric contains various capabilities to help work with sustainability data. By deploying a collection pf pre-configured Fabric items into a Fabric workspace to accelerate the delivery of various capabilities. I mention some capabilities that I find to be impactful below.
First is the reimagined ESG data estate capability. Which was recently updated so now it mostly focuses on deploying the Lakehouses required to host the data for the other capabilities.
Previously, it also included all the logic to generate ESG Metrics as well. However, Microsoft made the decision to move the logic to generate ESG metrics to a separate capability. Which I think makes perfect sense and introduces a lot more flexibility.
Second capability is the new ESG metrics capability. Which helps you ingest and transform Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data from multiple sources across the lakehouses that are deployed as part of the ESG data estate capability. In order to produce centralize ESG metrics for the organization.
Which is something that will apply to a lot of companies over the next couple of years. Thanks to the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
If you are not aware of the CSRD and your organization trades in Europe I highly recommend you follow the link to it in this post. Because for some companies this can potentially mean a huge undertaking.
To manage expectations, even though Sustainability data solutions in Fabric is now GA the new ESG metrics capability is in preview at the time this post is published. Something to bear in mind when looking to implement it. I did a review of the new ESG metrics capability which you are more than welcome to read.
Finally, I want to mention the Microsoft Azure emission insights capability. Which allows you to centralize and analyze your Azure emissions data. Which can be useful to get a holistic overview of the affect Azure resources have on your organizations carbon footprint. I think this can also be a great aid to help justify strategic decisions.
Final words
I hope this post helps raise awareness about the benefits of some of the capabilities that are included as part of the Sustainability data solutions in Fabric.
As I personally think the capabilities offered as part of the Sustainability data solutions in Fabric can be of use for a lot of organizations ongoing. Especially for those who must generate metrics as part of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
If you missed the Microsoft Ignite session presented by Mahesh Narayanan that covers how Microsoft Fabric can help with Sustainability efforts make sure you catch the recording when it is available.
Of course, if you have any comments or queries about this post feel free to reach out to me.