• 81% of Sustainability Leaders Emphasize the need to Reduce AI’s Emissions Footprint: Salesforce Survey
• 57% of sustainability professionals are optimistic about balancing AI’s benefits with its environmental impact.
• Nearly half of sustainability teams are already using or experimenting with AI in their programs.
• The top priority for sustainability teams is improving knowledge and skills related to AI and sustainability.

A recent survey of nearly 500 sustainability professionals by Salesforce reveals a complex relationship between AI and sustainability. While 4 in 10 professionals worry about AI’s potential negative impacts, 57% believe they can balance these challenges with AI’s benefits. This research underscores the need for strategic implementation of AI to enhance sustainability efforts without exacerbating environmental issues

The urgency to balance AI’s rapid advancement with sustainability efforts is critical. AI-driven data center power usage is projected to double by 2026, potentially jeopardizing corporate carbon reduction goals. Sustainability teams globally are navigating the challenge of integrating AI while minimizing its environmental footprint. Fortunately, AI’s potential to improve supply chain management, ESG reporting, and other sustainability efforts provides a hopeful outlook.

Current Developments:

Salesforce’s research highlights key findings from sustainability professionals:

Optimism and Concerns:

• Over 6 in 10 professionals believe their companies must balance AI’s benefits with its environmental costs.
• 58% believe AI’s benefits will outweigh its risks in addressing the climate crisis.
• 57% are optimistic about balancing AI’s benefits with its impact on sustainability.
• 55% believe AI’s impact on global sustainability progress will be net positive.

AI Implementation in Sustainability Programs:

• Nearly half of the respondents have begun using or experimenting with AI in their sustainability programs.
• 20% have fully implemented AI initiatives.
• 29% are still in the experimentation phase.

Top Uses of AI for Sustainability:

• Improving energy efficiency (50%): Monitoring consumption, predicting high use, optimizing distribution.
• Carbon emissions modeling (48%): Identifying lifecycle stages with the greatest environmental impacts.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental standards (47%): Adhering to ISO standards, emissions regulations, etc.

Knowledge and Training Gaps:

• The primary limitation to leveraging AI for sustainability is a lack of knowledge about its applications.
• 79% of professionals prioritize educating others on sustainable practices, with 42% marking it as a high priority.
• Improved knowledge and skills (52%) and training (45%) are critical for achieving sustainability goals.

Impact and Implications:

Businesses can address these challenges through several strategies:

• Education and Training: Implementing programs to enhance understanding of AI and sustainability can bridge knowledge gaps and foster a culture of innovation. “Sustainability and AI education and training not only narrows the gap between businesses and their climate goals, but also helps create a culture of learning and innovation,” said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer, Salesforce.
• Innovation and Social Impact: Investing in innovation can reduce AI’s environmental impact. Companies can optimize energy use, improve supply chain efficiency, and support policy advocacy and philanthropic initiatives. “Investing in innovation and the social impact of AI is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of AI tools and ensuring the technology benefits everyone equitably,” said Boris Gamazaychikov, Senior Manager of Emissions Reduction, Salesforce.
• Operationalizing Sustainability: Making sustainability a core business objective and allocating resources accordingly can ensure long-term success.

Conclusion:

Salesforce’s research provides valuable insights into how sustainability professionals are managing the integration of AI with their environmental goals. While challenges exist, the optimism and proactive strategies highlighted in the report suggest that businesses can successfully balance AI’s benefits with its environmental impact.

Call to Action:

Learn more about how AI can enhance sustainability efforts by exploring Salesforce’s Sustainable AI Blueprint and other resources. Implement education and training programs to equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your sustainability goals. Encourage innovation and support initiatives that reduce AI’s carbon footprint, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

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