By Guest Contributor |
The disruptive power of AI is impacting every part of business operations and driving massive transformation. Its enormous potential to solve complex, multilayered, and interrelated challenges at unprecedented speed is driving rapid adoption in businesses of all sizes and across a wide variety of sectors.
of 2025 Kyndryl Readiness Reportfeatures insights from 3,700 business leaders from 21 countries and reveals the growing impact of AI. For example, 87% of respondents believe that AI will completely change work roles and responsibilities in their organizations this year, and 68% of them are making significant investments in some technology.
AI remains at the forefront of corporate sustainability efforts. While conversations about AI often focus on improving productivity and operational efficiency, it is important to understand that AI encompasses a wide range of technologies, each offering unique applications that support different aspects of sustainability.
3rd edition of Kyndryl Global Sustainability Barometer A study commissioned by Kyndryl and Microsoft and conducted by Ecosystm shows a significant shift in enterprise AI strategy. Organizations are taking a more holistic approach and increasingly integrating AI into their end-to-end sustainability practices. They are leveraging AI to move from simply reacting to data to making predictions. Compared to last year, 49 percent of companies are forecasting resource consumption and emissions for future outcomes, up from 37 percent last year. Additionally, 47 percent now prioritize predicting climate-related risks, up from 30 percent. These trends highlight a focus on proactive, data-driven approaches to sustainability.
The emergence of agent AI, systems capable of autonomous decision-making and goal-directed behavior, holds great promise for improving sustainability. Unlike traditional rule-based AI, agent systems can adapt, learn from feedback, and operate in dynamic, rapidly evolving settings. Agent AI gives organizations the opportunity to continuously assess and identify opportunities to quantitatively incorporate sustainability efficiencies into their operating models, enabling actions that dynamically respond to risks and priorities.
of Global sustainability barometer Research also shows that 30% of all organizations are testing or deploying agent AI for sustainability goals, with early adopters reporting tangible benefits in cost savings, innovation, and compliance.
The increased use of AI and digital technologies brings both benefits and challenges to businesses. of Global sustainability barometer Research shows that there is a growing awareness and appreciation of AI's impact on overall sustainability, with 43% of organizations considering the environment when implementing AI, up from 35% last year. The enormous amount of energy required for AI processes can be difficult to detect, but can have a significant impact on a company's overall carbon footprint. Taking these environmental impacts into account when making modernization choices can help organizations maximize the benefits of AI while driving more intelligent, data-driven operations.
Because climate change has a direct impact on companies' financial performance and brand reputation, companies are beginning to treat sustainability as a core strategic priority to drive market differentiation, strengthen competitiveness, and build resilience.
of Global sustainability barometer Research shows that organizations with a focus on integration – those that embed sustainability into core operations and empower employees to take meaningful action – lead in overall sustainability practices. For 67% of organizations focused on integration, measurable return on investment and new revenue opportunities are the key drivers for accelerating sustainability efforts, compared to 54% of other companies.
In conclusion, as adoption increases, the role of responsible AI will become even more prominent, shaping a future where business success and sustainability are inextricably linked.
Faith Taylor is Senior Vice President of Global Citizenship and Sustainability at Kindril.
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