CHICAGO, IL - If you’re looking for a multi-pronged approach to improving your business operations through the lens of sustainability, look no further! AndNowUKnow’s latest deep dive with industry ally RSM uncovered some key ways produce companies can advance in the ever-important sustainability arena.

“At RSM, we're committed to helping our clients create a sustainable future. Through our partnership with Microsoft, we're empowering businesses to not only meet emerging sustainability regulations but also to thrive by leveraging cutting-edge solutions like Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability,” shared Paul Duckworth, Manager, RSM Microsoft Sustainability Leader. “Our goal is to ensure companies are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, from emission tracking to compliance reporting, so they can make a lasting, positive impact on the environment.”

Sustainability along with the environmental, social and governance framework—known as ESG—have all become critical components of business strategies and IT architecture decisions. By implementing a robust approach to sustainability and ESG, businesses can easily address risks related to environmental issues, social concerns, governance factors, and sustainability practices, mitigating the potential negative effects these risks could have on operations and financial performance. Not only does this strengthen a business’s operations, but it also can improve a company’s reputation with stakeholders.

Driving the need for elevated sustainability strategies in our industry, many national, state, and local government reporting requirements will begin to be released and enforced, some impacting the mid-market as early as 2025. Supporting its partners in the development of these strategies, RSM touts Microsoft Sustainability Manager as a solution that enables the automated capturing and calculation of emission, water, and waste data, along with the appropriate controls and procedures to perform the required reporting in an assurable manner.

As Paul shared, other solutions in RSM’s Cloud for Sustainability include the Purview Compliance Manager, which helps customers create CSRD reports, as well as the upcoming Environmental Credit Service, which helps clients through the process of creating, submitting, verifying, and registering claims, to then be sold in the marketplace.

Further supporting its partners in this area, RSM has released a guide detailing the multifaceted ecosystem of ESG and sustainability, providing an in-depth analysis to foster responsible business practices consisting of strategies, technologies, processes, and data.

Using these guidelines, companies can craft an impressive ESG strategy that aligns with their overall objectives, mission, vision, and values while addressing the needs of multiple stakeholders. For a deeper look at this critical component of the ag industry, check out RSM’s recent case study, Transforming Sustainability Reporting for a Vertically Integrated Agriculture Producer.

For more insights into ESG and opportunities to boost your business, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.