Last year, Dynamics 365 Business Central was expanded to include a new sustainability feature that allows users to record the environmental impact of business processes (e.g. CO2 consumption) and compile reports for further use. These features are continuously being expanded and already include some very helpful functions.
In addition to the efficient functionalities that we have already highlighted in previous blog posts, it has also been possible for some time now to report sustainability entries with financial reports. There is also the option of using multiple subcategories for a sustainability account.
Report sustainability entries with financial reports
The integration of sustainability metrics (especially greenhouse gas emissions) into financial reports can greatly increase a company’s business value, as it demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. In Business Central, a “Totaling Type” can be selected for the “Financial Reports Line – Sust. Account” which refers to “Sustainability Ledger Entries”.
This makes it possible to combine values based on General Ledger Entries or Statistical Account Ledger Entries with various sustainability values (emission fees, CO2 emissions, CH4 emissions, and N2O emissions).
Using multiple subcategories for a sustainability account
Business Central also offers the option of using different subcategories for one sustainability account. This reduces the number of different accounts required. Instead, different types of information can be consolidated into a single account.
A default “Sustainability Account Subcategory” can be defined for each sustainability account. The relevant information must be included during setup. Multiple subcategories can also be defined for a single account.
When working with sustainability journals, if multiple options are available, the subcategory can be easily changed in each line. This makes it possible to post entries to the same sustainability accounts, but with different emission factors in the formulas. For example, if one account is to be used for all company cars, different emission factors for different vehicle types can be managed more easily. In addition, this allows all entries to be posted using only one account. In addition, entries can also be posted to sustainability ledger entries with zero emissions if the subcategories of the sustainability account are marked as renewable energies. In this case, the system only posts the basic information used in the formula, but the total emissions are zero. The item is marked as “Renewable Energies”.