A new study commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by Kyndryl has revealed that while 84% of organizations prioritize sustainability goals, only 21% are utilizing technology to reduce their environmental footprint and shape their overall sustainability strategy. The study found that while 54% of businesses incorporate sustainability goals into their existing reporting processes, only 19% are fully utilizing data for strategic planning and decision-making.
The study also highlighted the potential impact of artificial intelligence on sustainability efforts, with 55% of organizations believing AI will significantly affect their sustainability goals. However, the majority of organizations (62%) are only using AI to analyze historical data for monitoring and reporting, rather than leveraging AI to reshape operational efficiencies and drive sustainable innovations.
Despite the potential benefits of technology in driving sustainability initiatives, only 38% of organizations are currently using IT to reduce their environmental impact, while just 17% are using data and technology to achieve sustainability goals. The study suggests that organizations should consider integrating technology into their sustainability strategies to transform goals into actionable plans.
Furthermore, while many organizations are using AI to monitor energy use and emissions, only a small percentage are using predictive AI to forecast energy needs based on current trends and patterns. By incorporating AI-powered scenario planning and climate risk mitigation, organizations can take a more holistic approach to environmental responsibility.
One of the challenges highlighted in the study is the disparate data across enterprise planning systems, with only 15% of organizations using data to guide their business transformation journeys. By effectively integrating data, organizations can gain a better understanding of their environmental impact and make informed sustainability decisions.
Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of embedding technology into sustainability strategies to drive actionable, data-driven plans. It also notes that while the benefits of AI for sustainability are becoming more recognized, organizations must also consider the environmental impact of their AI solutions.
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