Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, the latest of the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, was released. Customers who rolled out this newest version now have the option to deploy the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard, a tool that Microsoft released for the 2009 version today. The software giant is giving the toolset for free to Dynamics AX 2009 customers, in the hopes that midsize businesses will be able to pinpoint ways to cut their energy consumption and costs with the data provided.

The solution measures key indicators related to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as part of everyday business processes, allowing organizations to monitor their carbon footprint and make decisions that will make their company more environmentally and economically sustainable. Kirill Tatarinov, corporate vice president of Microsoft Business Solutions, believes the tool will also help companies cut down on costs.

"Businesses will find new opportunities for cost savings and improving operational performance by getting a fresh perspective on their operations. In many cases, midsize organizations can't retain dedicated consultants to audit their environmental performance," said Tatarinov. "By integrating groundbreaking environmental performance management capabilities with Microsoft Dynamics AX, we are bringing that critical information directly to customers as part of their everyday business management."

Since the new dashboard is using the RoleTailored design, which equips employees with a personalized Role Center based on the information they need to do their job, organizations can rapidly raise awareness of environmental initiatives companywide. The above screenshot is from a video demonstration of the new dashboard that I recommend watching if you're unsure of whether this product is for you.