With the right training for executives and workers, artificial intelligence can support sustainability in any number of organisations. Image: t-systems.com.
With sustainability a concern for many organisations, Dan Schawbel suggests ways artificial intelligence can help leaders achieve their goals in this area.
Sustainability is top of mind for many individuals, organisations, and governments — and its importance will only increase.
Leaders are feeling the stress, with 76 per cent of executives saying their organisation is under pressure from investors or other stakeholders to focus on sustainability.
Research from my company, Workplace Intelligence, in partnership with edX, the global online learning platform, has revealed many challenges to hitting corporate, national, and global sustainability goals.
Not least is a shortage of talent with the required skills, leaving organisations under-resourced when it comes to prioritising crucial sustainability decisions.
So, with artificial intelligence also at the centre of many tech and workplace conversations, it’s time to explore the key ways AI can help organisations meet their sustainability objectives.
My new study with edX found that 75 per cent of executives believe they will not be able to achieve sustainability goals without AI. However, few of them know how to use AI effectively, with 65 per cent admitting they have no idea how AI can support sustainability at their organisation.
Our research revealed significant numbers of executives said they have had some training on how AI can support sustainability, but less than a third of employees said the same. Yet 55 per cent of employees want that training, showing a clear opportunity to close the sustainability skills gap across the workforce.
Here are some examples of AI-supported sustainability efforts.
Predict energy output and usage: Real-time intelligence on energy production and consumption would be incredibly labour-intensive and expensive if organisations relied on people to do it. However, AI can support this in several ways. It can analyse past usage data to predict future output or needs and can identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency.
Then AI-powered systems can continuously analyse data from sensors and devices to enhance the efficiency of energy usage, water consumption, and resource management, helping to minimise waste and reduce carbon footprints.
For example, AI can predict energy output in renewable energy systems, such as forecasting solar and wind energy generation based on weather patterns. This allows organisations to adjust their energy use accordingly. It can also improve energy storage by predicting peak usage times and managing battery charge and discharge cycles for greater efficiency.
Identify sources of pollution: Beyond energy efficiency, reducing pollution is a critical part of slowing climate change. AI tools can help in monitoring and detecting emissions and pollution levels so the appropriate measures can be implemented.
AI-powered drone technology equipped with advanced environmental sensors enables organisations to perform real-time aerial inspections of their operations, pinpointing sources of pollution and evaluating their ecological impact.
This proactive method can enable the swift addressing of environmental concerns, maintaining compliance with sustainability regulations, and reducing overall carbon footprint. Additionally, AI can analyse the collected data to predict potential pollution hotspots, allowing organisations to implement preventive measures before problems arise.
Monitor and optimise the use of transport: According to the United Nations’ 2021 Sustainable Transport Conference, transport is responsible for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
AI can find the most efficient routes, including analysing traffic patterns and weather conditions, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions for employees out in the field. With the majority of leaders reporting they’re concerned about their organisation’s ability to move the needle on sustainability goals, anything that can help alleviate pressure will be welcomed – and AI represents clear opportunities.
Beyond the examples I have listed, AI can be used to optimise maintenance, track regulatory changes, analyse sustainability data, and more. However, making the most of these new tools and technologies requires training and development for leaders and employees.
With access to the right educational resources, an upskilled workforce will accelerate time to implementation, ensuring every organisation can meet and exceed its sustainability objectives.
Dan Schawbel is a bestselling author and managing partner of Workplace Intelligence, a research and advisory firm helping HR adapt to trends, drive performance and prepare for the future.
