07/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/24/2024 08:08
A recent survey of nearly 500 sustainability professionals found that while almost 4 in 10 worry about AI 's potential negative impacts on sustainability efforts at their organization, even more (57%) are optimistic that they can balance the negative impact with AI's benefits.
Why it matters: AI-driven data center power usage could double by 2026 - putting efforts to reduce corporate carbon emissions at risk. As a result, sustainability teams around the world are grappling with the challenge of how to help their companies implement this groundbreaking technology without hurting the environment. Fortunately, there's evidence that AI can aid supply chain management, ESG reporting, and do more to help businesses combat the climate crisis - and Salesforce's new research suggests that companies are already managing this balancing act.
Salesforce Snapshot Research
AI: A Sustainability Balancing Act. Uncover insights from nearly 500 sustainability professionals on how they manage AI's sustainability balancing act.
The research found:
Over 6 in 10 sustainability professionals say their company must balance AI's benefits with its environmental costs, but remain hopeful about solutions
AI is beginning to transform sustainability programs
65% of sustainability professionals using AI say it's transformed their team's sustainability programs.
The AI and sustainability knowledge gap is the #1 limitation and #1 priority for sustainability teams
By implementing education and training programs, businesses can reach their sustainability goals
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.
Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer, SalesforceBusinesses can invest in innovation and social impact to reduce the environmental impact of AI
What businesses can do: According to DiBianca,companies can ensure that the benefits of AI are universal to all of their stakeholders, including the planet, by:
Go deeper: "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. "At Salesforce, we employ a comprehensive approach, leveraging our corporate philanthropy, strategic investments, and cutting-edge technology to drive sustainability in AI."
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Methodology: Salesforce conducted a double-anonymous survey in partnership with YouGov from June 5-10, 2024. It included 452 sustainability professionals (including 384 sustainability leaders) representing companies of a variety of sizes and sectors in three countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The survey took place online.