Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability
Companies around the world are facing increasing pressure to achieve Net Zero goals while simultaneously struggling to maintain a competitive position in the technology landscape. On one hand, there is the unstoppable advancement of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), driven by visionaries like Bill Gates. On the other, there is the imperative to comply with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This article explores how companies can navigate this complex landscape.
Automation and Artificial Intelligence: A Revolution in Progress
The need for automation in business operations is no longer a question of "if," but of "when" and "how." According to Microsoft founder Bill Gates, automation and AI have the power not only to increase productivity and efficiency, but also to radically change the way we live and work. Examples like ChatGPT and the AI assistant Copilot for Microsoft 365 demonstrate the rapid evolution in this space.
But while automation offers numerous benefits, such as cost reduction and operational efficiency, it also presents challenges. Gartner has predicted that by 2025, AI will consume more energy than human workers, raising questions about its sustainability.
ESG and Automation: Finding a Balance
Growing interest in ESG compliance has prompted boards of directors to dedicate time and resources to developing sustainability strategies. According to a Deloitte report, sustainability is increasingly a focus of corporate boards' attention. Meanwhile, cloud infrastructure, which is critical for enabling AI tools, is growing exponentially. Gartner estimates that global cloud spending will reach approximately $600 billion this year, fueled by technologies such as generative AI.
The cloud, however, is also at the center of a debate about its sustainability. Although the industry is making efforts to reduce its environmental impact, the growing demand for cloud services is making it difficult to keep pace with ESG goals.
The Challenge of Sustainability in the Digital Age
A recent Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Index report indicates that 85% of global IT decision makers consider achieving corporate sustainability goals a significant challenge. While the majority (92%) consider sustainability significantly more important than a year ago, there is a clear disconnect between goals and the actual implementation of these goals.
Companies are also grappling with the complexity of managing mixed IT infrastructures. This increased complexity requires a unified approach to managing applications and data across different environments, not only to reduce costs but also to measure environmental impact.
Towards a Sustainable Future: Cognitive Actions
Companies must begin to look at infrastructure modernization as a way to meet both automation needs and ESG objectives. Using hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) can be a step in the right direction, reducing complexity and, consequently, energy consumption.
In conclusion, as companies strive to innovate and remain competitive, they must also make responsible decisions that align technological growth with sustainability. With the right strategy and the right partners, it is possible to create an ecosystem where artificial intelligence and ESG objectives can coexist.
