Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  July 26, 2024

Salesforce Survey Reveals AI Optimism — and Concerns

More than six in 10 sustainability professionals report their company must balance AI’s benefits with environmental costs, according to a survey from Salesforce.

Among the sample of 500 sustainability professionals, nearly 40% are concerned that AI will negatively impact their organization’s sustainability efforts. However, 58% say AI’s benefits will outweigh its risks when solving the climate crisis.

Nearly one-half of those surveyed have begun using or at least experimenting with AI in their sustainability programs, with 20% reporting they have fully implemented AI into their initiatives.

Among the top ways sustainability teams are using AI for sustainability are improving energy efficiency (50%), carbon emissions modeling (48%), and ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

Explaining the importance of these results, a statement from Salesforce says, “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.”

Education and training are cited as keys for businesses to reach their sustainability goals, as improved knowledge and skill was chosen by 52% and training by 45%. Commenting on these survey results, Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer, Salesforce, said “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.”

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