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Going Green With AI: A Myth?

The AI (Artificial Intelligence) discourse has thrown 2023 into a frenzy. While it holds promise in environmental protection, it comes with several hurdles. Concerns have been raised about the environmental costs of computation – particularly the carbon footprint left behind by AI machinery.

A stark prediction by Gartner has set the alarm bells ringing: By 2025, if sustainable AI practices are not implemented, AI will consume more energy than the human workforce.

It’s a concerning forecast, but as we navigate the rapidly transforming landscape of the digital age, we can choose to view it from an optimistic perspective. The future is undoubtedly digital, and with AI becoming an integral part of our daily lives, it’s time to explore how brands can leverage digital solutions to not just meet but exceed their sustainability goals.

A Delicate Equilibrium

AI and sustainability, it turns out, are not oil and water but rather two forces that can be harnessed to propel our world into a more eco-conscious and environmentally responsible future. Several pioneering initiatives are already showcasing the synergistic potential of AI and sustainability. In what ways can AI be useful for corporate sustainability?

Transparent Tracking of Net-Zero Target Progress

What could better keep companies in line than a neutral machine? With the capability to process vast amounts of data rapidly, AI can monitor and analyse a company’s energy consumption, emissions, and overall environmental impact in real-time. Predictive analytics enables businesses to identify inefficiencies, set precise reduction targets, and track their progress before they escalate into costly failures.

For instance, we can see this in action through the usage of smart grid technology. By gathering and processing extensive real-time data, smart grids enhance the distribution of energy, making better use of renewable sources. This innovation guarantees a consistent power supply while reducing a company’s ecological footprint.

In Singapore, we presently witness an increasing push for the adoption of renewable sources of clean energy. Brands like Senoko Energy are at the forefront of this movement, leading the charge towards net zero emissions.

Sustainable Agriculture

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, AI has proven to be a game-changer. Traditional farming practices are often resource-intensive and less efficient. But AI-driven solutions are transforming agriculture, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Smart farming techniques use AI to optimise irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, reducing water consumption and the use of harmful chemicals. AI-powered drones and sensors monitor crop health, enabling early detection of diseases and pests, and minimising crop losses.

John Deere, a corporation that advocates for sustainable farming, does exactly that. Through their precision farming technology, farmers can optimise their planting and harvesting, reducing waste and conserving resources. They’re not overusing chemicals, and they’re getting more from their fields. AI makes farming eco-friendly because it’s all about doing more with less.

Biodiversity Monitoring

Conservation efforts are critical in the face of a changing climate and increasing habitat destruction. AI is playing a crucial role in biodiversity monitoring and protection. For example, AI-powered camera traps and acoustic sensors are employed in wildlife conservation, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of endangered species. These technologies help in tracking and protecting wildlife populations and ecosystems. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data assists conservationists in identifying patterns and trends, aiding in the protection of threatened species and their habitats.

Sustainable Logistics

Efficient logistics are essential for any sustainable supply chain, and AI has emerged as a powerful tool in this arena. Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms help streamline inventory management, reducing overproduction and waste in the supply chain. Sustainable practices in logistics not only lower the carbon footprint but also lead to cost savings for businesses.

Waste Management

Streamlined waste management stands as a pivotal element of corporate sustainability efforts. Conventional waste sorting procedures are frequently labour-intensive and susceptible to inaccuracies. Here’s where automaton enters the picture. AI-infused waste management technologies harness computer vision and machine learning to improve the process of waste separation.

Winnow is one such notable leader in this arena. With a B-Corp accreditation under their belt, they challenge the food wastage epidemic head-on using cutting-edge AI that can monitor and help manage the output volume of wasted food. By precisely recognising recyclable materials, these systems elevate recycling rates, curtail landfill waste, and promote the principles of a circular economy.

Sustainable Artificial Intelligence?

While sentiments are mixed and prevailing concerns are valid, it is also clear that AI and sustainable practices can indeed go hand in hand. Embracing AI-driven solutions may carve a path to a more sustainable, eco-conscious future, and judging by how companies are already adopting this, going green with AI isn’t as impossible as one might think.

You might be wondering, “Why should brands even care?” Though we might not feel the full heat of the crisis yet, the pressure is on, and last month we touched on how unless we learn how to navigate the climate emergency, your brand could cease to exist in 6 years.

Brands can use AI in their marketing campaigns and strategies in a fair, ethical way by following a set of principles and practices that prioritize transparency, privacy, and responsible use.

Transparency: Brands should be transparent about their use of AI in marketing. This includes disclosing when AI is being used to create content, recommend products, or personalise experiences. Clear communication builds trust with consumers.

User Control: A study reports that consumers want to be informed about brands’ AI usage. Brands can consider giving users control over their AI-driven experiences by allowing them to customise recommendations, filters, and content preferences.

Compliance with Regulations: Keep up to date with relevant regulations and standards related to AI and data privacy. Ensure that AI marketing practices comply with these rules.

The verdict is up to us: we can view AI as an energy-consuming giant or as a powerful ally that can help navigate the climate emergency.