Capgemini, Microsoft & SAP: Driving AI Sustainability
As global sustainability deadlines draw near, the role of AI in facilitating compliance is increasingly critical.
With the Paris Agreement’s 2050 net zero goal and fast evolving regulations, enterprises must prioritise sustainability and integrate AI strategies to act effectively.
Major corporations, like Capgemini, Microsoft and SAP, are confronted with challenges owing to their expansive operations and supply chains.
However, AI presents them with an opportunity to substantially enhance sustainability outcomes.
These industry giants not only aim to optimise their own environmental impacts but also extend support to others in the sustainability journey.
A Capgemini podcast discusses these dynamics with key leaders: Miguel Sossa, Vice President - Americas Sustainability GTM Lead at Capgemini; Sean Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft and Japen Hollist, Head of Sustainability, GTM - North America at SAP.
AI-driven regulations
The regulatory environment for sustainability reporting continues its rapid transformation, integrating AI solutions.
Key instruments include the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Japen says: "People focus on AI for business efficiencies and put their resources there. Then they fail to remember we've got ESRS regulations that are barreling down on us."
He notes a change in the dialogue around sustainability, indicating a move toward terms resonating with business efficiency and advancement.
AI-enhanced real-time decision making
The traditional methodology of annual sustainability reporting is being replaced as it no longer aligns with the immediate demands of AI-enabled business operations.
Miguel says: "Several years ago, it was challenging enough to bring data to the table once a year. But if we're driving a vehicle, we need that data now. We can't wait for a year to decide whether to turn left or right."
With a goal to assist clients in reducing their carbon footprint by 10 billion tonnes by 2030, Capgemini employs technology for expedited decision-making.
Miguel elucidates the role of technology, stating that it enables rapid processing of data, which previously took prolonged periods to act upon.
AI integration in sustainability initiatives
AI is a central element in the sustainability strategies of Capgemini, Microsoft and SAP.
AI facilitates data processing and swift decision-making. Japen says: "You've got to be in the cloud to uptake innovation at speed and scale. The world is going to move much faster if you can harness AI all around it."
Microsoft incorporates AI to augment operational efficacies.
Sean articulates the company's tactics: "We created applications for calculating carbon, water, and waste. The biggest topics now are about scaling and moving from reporting compliance to operations improvement."
The vision for sustainable operations
The leaders anticipate a scenario where sustainability pervades every core business decision, fostering a holistic transformation.
This change stretches beyond mere environmental metrics, encompassing broader social and economic aspects.
Miguel expounds: "Companies are going to look from within and say, are we ourselves really sustainable? In product development, they're going to take a look at all their product lines and say, how do we take waste and cost out of this?
"There is no business on this planet that says we do not want to reduce costs, be competitive, or attract great talent."
