Environmental impact and governance have emerged as central factors in digital infrastructure decision-making, with a substantial proportion of IT leaders prioritising sustainability.
According to the 2024 Digital Infrastructure Report by Colt, 38 per cent of IT decision-makers report that environmental and governance factors drive all strategic decisions, while another 36 per cent acknowledge their influence.
This growing emphasis reflects the increasing role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and senior IT leaders in shaping corporate sustainability strategies, with 71 per cent having a direct role and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) owning their company’s entire strategy.
AI as a key enabler of sustainability
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an integral role in advancing sustainability strategies, with 22 per cent of CIOs stating that AI actively facilitates their environmental impact and governance initiatives.
A further 42 per cent recognise AI as having a modest influence, highlighting its growing integration into corporate sustainability efforts.
However, AI’s impact is not uniform across regions and industries; for example, 36 per cent of CIOs in Hong Kong view AI as a facilitator of sustainability, compared to just 13 per cent in Italy. The education sector reports a 38 per cent adoption rate, while in government and local government, this figure drops to 11 per cent.
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1. AI-driven capabilities for carbon reduction
One of AI’s most significant contributions to sustainability is its role in reducing carbon emissions. Tools powered by the technology are helping businesses optimise energy efficiency by enabling intelligent infrastructure management.
Generative AI, cited by 24 per cent of respondents, is particularly relevant in this space, as organisations increasingly rely on smart systems to manage energy consumption in response to growing digital service demands.
2. Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and optimised resource use
A major way AI supports sustainability is through its facilitation of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) features. The report finds that 58 per cent of CIOs credit AI with enabling on-demand network capabilities.
NaaS plays a crucial role in carbon reduction by allowing organisations to use only the bandwidth they need, minimising unnecessary power consumption. This model contrasts with traditional network infrastructure, which often results in excess capacity and wasted energy.
3. Strengthening security and supplier evaluation
Security enhancements driven by AI are another contributing factor to sustainability. Some 61 per cent of CIOs report that AI has facilitated investment in improved security infrastructure. While security improvements may not have an immediately apparent link to sustainability, optimised cybersecurity reduces disruptions that could lead to increased energy use.
AI also assists businesses in evaluating their suppliers, with 60 per cent of CIOs leveraging insights to reassess vendor partnerships. This capability allows organisations to select environmentally conscious suppliers, reinforcing the broader push towards sustainability within the digital infrastructure.
4. Improving data quality for sustainability reporting
Accurate data collection and reporting are crucial for tracking sustainability efforts, and AI is playing a pivotal role in this domain.
According to the report, 59 per cent of CIOs state that AI has improved data quality for environmental impact assessments and governance reporting. This enhanced data accuracy enables organisations to measure their progress effectively, refine their sustainability strategies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Moreover, improved reporting is instrumental in addressing Scope 3 emissions, which cover indirect emissions associated with supply chains and business operations.
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Addressing AI’s own environmental impact
While AI is a valuable tool for advancing sustainability goals, its energy-intensive nature presents challenges. The report acknowledges that the rapid adoption is contributing to increased carbon emissions, underscoring the need for organisations to adopt sustainable practices.
As AI models become more complex and require greater computational power, companies must balance the benefits of efficiency with the environmental costs of maintaining large-scale AI operations.
Recognising the environmental implications of AI, network providers are offering guidance to CIOs on minimising related carbon emissions. The report highlights that 22 per cent of CIOs have received advice from their network providers regarding AI’s environmental impact, while 21 per cent are actively seeking such insights.
This collaboration between IT decision-makers and service providers is crucial in developing more energy-efficient AI solutions and aligning digital infrastructure with sustainability objectives.
AI is increasingly influencing corporate sustainability strategies, enabling more efficient resource management, enhancing data quality, and facilitating environmentally conscious decision-making. However, the disparity in adoption across different regions and industries suggests that its role in sustainability will continue to evolve.
As businesses seek to harness AI for sustainability gains, they must also address their growing energy demands and environmental footprint. By adopting strategic implementations and collaborating with network providers, organisations can maximise its potential while mitigating its associated challenges, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable digital infrastructure landscape.
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