How AI Can Boost Your Sustainability Efforts

Welcome to another edition of the Centre for Sustainable Intelligence newsletter.

This is where I try to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. Our mission is to share observations across these core themes: AI for Good, Ethical AI, Sustainable AI and AI in Sustainability. I hope to inform, inspire and engage readers interested in the potential of AI to drive positive change for both people and the planet.

Here’s what’s in stock for you today:

• News Bite: Güntner Receives 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award.

• Deep Dive: How AI Can Boost Your Sustainability Efforts.

• Tech Trend: PPA offers huge assistance for businesses in the US.

News Bite: Güntner Receives 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award.

Güntner, a global leader in refrigeration and heat exchange technology, today announced that it has been named a recipient of Business Intelligence Group’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award. This prestigious award honours organisations worldwide that are making significant strides in reducing their environmental impact.

Güntner is a world-leading company in the manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment components. With more than 4,000 employees, offices in over 50 countries, and six manufacturing plants across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the company shows a strong presence in all markets.

Deep Dive: How AI Can Boost Your Sustainability Efforts

AI is quickly becoming a go-to tool for sustainability managers looking to up their game. But with so many possibilities, where should you start? Here’s a quick rundown of the key areas to focus on if you want to make the most out of AI in your sustainability efforts.

1. Nail Your Data Game

AI is amazing at crunching numbers, which is a huge help when you’re dealing with all the data that comes with sustainability work. Tools like Microsoft Sustainability Manager can help you accurately forecast carbon reduction strategies and streamline those pesky ESG reports. It’s all about making smarter decisions with better data.

2. Optimise Energy and Resources

Want to cut down on energy use and manage resources more efficiently? AI’s got you covered. Whether it’s optimizing delivery routes to lower your carbon footprint or spotting patterns in waste management, AI helps you do more with less. And let’s be honest, saving energy often means saving money too.

3. Green Your Supply Chain

The supply chain is where AI can really shine. It can help you spot inefficiencies and risks, so you can tweak your operations and cut down on waste. Plus, AI can predict disruptions and help you adjust your logistics in real-time, making your supply chain not just greener, but more resilient too.

4. Keep It Ethical

Using AI comes with its own set of responsibilities. Make sure your AI tools respect data privacy and don’t reinforce biases. Set some ethical guidelines to ensure your AI use aligns with your sustainability goals. After all, doing the right thing helps build trust with your stakeholders.

5. Engage Your Team

Getting everyone on board is crucial for any sustainability effort. AI can make this easier by providing clear and accessible data insights that everyone can understand. Whether it’s your employees, customers, or suppliers, AI can help you communicate your sustainability metrics effectively and rally the troops.

6. Stay Ahead of the Curve

Sustainability is always evolving, and so is AI. Keep an eye out for new AI technologies and be ready to experiment with pilot projects. Staying innovative ensures your sustainability practices are not just effective but also ahead of the curve.

Wrap-Up

AI offers a ton of potential to boost your sustainability efforts. By focusing on data, resource management, the supply chain, ethics, stakeholder engagement, and continuous innovation, you can leverage AI to make a real impact. It’s all about aligning your environmental goals with your business objectives and staying future-ready.

Tech Trend: PPA offers huge assistance for businesses in the US

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between a business and a renewable energy provider where the business agrees to buy a certain amount of energy over a set period, usually from sources like wind or solar. In the U.S., PPAs help businesses achieve sustainability goals while locking in energy costs at a fixed rate, protecting against market volatility. They also offer potential tax benefits and enhance corporate reputation by showcasing commitment to renewable energy.

Have any businesses in the UK utilized PPAs? Do they offer similar financial and sustainability benefits as in the U.S.? Looking forward to hearing from Sustainability managers who have similar agreements in the UK and Europe.

That’s all I have for you today.

That’s all I have for you in this edition of Centre for Sustainable Intelligence Newsletter.

If you have any questions or feedback please use this form. I will try my best to respond to all your questions and feedback.

If want me to feature an article in the News Bite or Tech Trend sections, please get in touch and I will see what I can do to feature it.

If you are not yet subscribed to this newsletter, please subscribe here and forward it on to all your friends who you think will benefit from it.

Thank you!

Emeka Ogbonnaya