Earth month: Bridging the gap between goals and action (Guest blog from Kyndryl)
As April was widely recognised as ‘Earth Month,’ the significance of sustainability practices across businesses were once again at the forefront of global attention. With reports that February 2024 was the hottest on record, and with global temperatures surpassing the critical climate threshold, it is more important than ever that companies evaluate their environmental impact and include sustainability considerations into their core business strategies.
The recent Global Sustainability Barometer study, conducted by Kyndryl and Microsoft, highlights the disconnect between intention and action in UK organisations. Despite a significant number of respondents (74%) placing a high strategic importance on sustainability, actual integration remains shockingly low, with only one in five (20%) actively incorporating sustainability into their strategies and data.
In fact, many countries may miss their 2050 net-zero goals meaning urgent action is required. Businesses are increasingly recognising the central role of technology in driving sustainable solutions, such as assessing the carbon footprint of IT estates or leveraging big data analytics and AI to provide insights into energy consumption patterns. Nevertheless, fewer than half (45%) of businesses surveyed by the Barometer study believe they are fully leveraging their IT to help manage sustainability issues.
According to the Sustainability Barometer study, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key tool for sustainability, with over half of the UK businesses surveyed are using AI and machine learning to identify opportunities to manage emissions, reduce carbon footprints and monitor energy usage. Because of its ability to transform vast amounts of data into actionable information, AI is proving to be a breakthrough in the quest to make enhanced data-driven decisions on sustainability. However, challenges still persist, with nearly half (47%) of UK businesses struggling to integrate AI solutions into existing systems for managing environmental data.
The Barometer also highlights the importance of employee engagement to sustainability initiatives. While organisations employ customer sustainability programs widely, just over half (56%) prioritise employee education and training in environmental measures. And in the UK, only 25% of employers leverage employee engagement as part of their sustainability initiatives. To help address this disparity, companies can provide internal and external programs that both educate employees on greenhouse gas emissions and enable them to contribute to achieving net zero commitments.
Whilst UK businesses widely acknowledge their impact on the environment, integrating sustainability into their core business strategies remains a challenge. To help close these gaps, business and government must work together to use technology effectively, enhance internal capabilities and prioritise employee engagement. Only through collaborative action can the UK progress towards its sustainability goals and ensure a greener business future.
techUK - Committed to Climate Action
Visit our Climate Action Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.
By 2030, digital technology can cut global emissions by 15%. Cloud computing, 5G, AI and IoT have the potential to support dramatic reductions in carbon emissions in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. techUK is working to foster the right policy framework and leadership so we can all play our part. For more information on how techUK can support you, please visit our Climate Action Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Upcoming climate events
How to develop green skills and foster sustainability within tech teams?
Online WebinarLatest news and insights
Get our climate insights straight to your inbox
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Climate, Environment and Sustainability programme.
Contact the team
Weronika Dorociak
Weronika Dorociak
Weronika joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Sustainability in October 2023.
Her role involves advocating for the tech sector in front of key policymakers and stakeholders. Weronika also leads the environmental and sustainability efforts within the Data Centres Group.
Prior to joining techUK, Weronika worked in public affairs and government relations in the legal sector, focusing on innovation and ESG within financial services. She also spent 2 years working as a Caseworker at Parliament. She holds a BA in Politics & International Relations from Queen Mary University of London.
Outside of work, Weronika can be found on a tennis court, at the gym, practicing yoga, or indulging in her love for Taylor Swift's music as a dedicated Swiftie.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/weronikaedorociak/
Craig Melson
Craig Melson
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.
Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2172
- Twitter:
- @techUK,@techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936,https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936
Lucas Banach
Lucas Banach
Lucas Banach is Programme Assistant at techUK, he works on a range of programmes including Data Centres; Climate, Environment & Sustainability; Market Access and Smart Infrastructure and Systems.
Before that Lucas who joined in 2008, held various roles in our organisation, which included his role as Office Executive, Groups and Concept Viability Administrator, and most recently he worked as Programme Executive for Public Sector. He has a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Cracow University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2006
- Twitter:
- @techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-banach-50139650
Learn more about our Climate campaign
Authors
