Achieving Sustainability Goals in the Era of AI

Sustainability Guest Post by Mark Hopkins, Sales Director at Dell Technologies Ireland

Today, as AI seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, its adoption and impact are no longer a question of ‘if’ but ’when’ and – most importantly – ’how’.

According to a Dell Technologies study, 76% of IT leaders believe that generative AI (GenAI) will be significant or transformative for their organizations. Meanwhile, McKinsey estimates that work automation using GenAI, and other technologies will boost productivity by 60-70%.

As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, its potential to help build a more sustainable future is becoming increasingly evident. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data allows businesses and governments to make more informed decisions about sustainability efforts. Moreover, from optimising energy consumption to enhancing supply chain efficiency, new technologies can help achieve sustainable goals in the era of AI.

This comes as the EU pushes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and new sustainability reporting standards are being enforced, compelling businesses to rethink their ESG strategies.

Organisations in Ireland see the opportunities that lie ahead. Dell’s Innovation Catalysts Study found that 80% of Irish business leaders said that emerging technologies has positively impacted their sustainability goals, with 37% using technology to improve energy efficiency.

However, integrating AI is not without challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is the energy intensity of AI technologies. According to a Gartner report, increasing adoption of GenAI will lead to dramatic increases in energy use, with annual ICT electricity increases of 25% or more. This rise in energy use threatens sustainability goals, as companies risk falling short of environmental performance targets.

Accelerating energy efficiency

Modernising data center infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to advance sustainability. AI can support this by driving efficiencies while also enhancing company’s ability to monitor and manage its carbon footprint.

Energy-efficient technology has also evolved significantly over the years, rendering old hardware a burden. What took six servers in 2013 takes just one today. Meanwhile, innovative software and remote management solutions can provide an overview of the organization’s energy usage and environmental impact.

By carefully designing their IT environment in line with their priorities, businesses can find a balance between reducing their physical footprint, increasing efficiency, and equipping themselves with the capacity they need to grow.

However, as companies approach IT transformation, what they do with their data will have implications for future growth. 37% of respondents to the 2023 Dell GenAI Pulse Survey indicated that their data and intellectual property are too valuable to be placed in a GenAI tool to which a third party might have access. By bringing AI to your data, you can maintain data sovereignty while embracing the benefits of GenAI.

As-a-Service enabling AI transformation while advancing sustainability

The demand for flexible consumption models like ‘As a Service’ (aaS) is growing, as it offers companies greater agility in developing AI workloads. A Forrester study found that 88% of businesses expect sustainability benefits from adopting aaS model, and 65% anticipate cost savings for more than 10%.

An aaS model ensures access to the latest, energy-efficient hardware produced with sustainability in mind, all while reducing waste.

By opting for an aaS model, businesses can cut costs and reduce waste while gaining more control over their applications and data, thereby allowing them to modernise their IT environment and scale with AI where necessary.

Adopting AI without compromising energy efficiency to drive the future of work

Modern devices are increasingly being designed, manufactured, and shipped with sustainability in mind, in addition to having intelligent AI-enabled features that keep users productive. For instance, Dell Optimiser adapts and responds to how users work, adjusting performance to meet peak worktimes and extending battery life through intelligent power-saving features.

Simple actions such as aligning energy settings with performance needs, powering down devices after work, and using rechargeable peripherals contribute to energy efficiency.

Regular technology refresh cycles also ensure that companies are operating with the most energy-efficient devices, reducing both upfront costs and total cost of ownership while driving sustainability efforts forward.

Leveraging AI for a More Sustainable Future

Adopting energy-efficient infrastructure is a powerful way to advance sustainability and is already bringing about a shift in how businesses in Ireland approach innovation and growth, especially in the context of the country’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

However, integrating AI into these efforts requires a commitment from the entire organisation. To fully leverage these opportunities, businesses must adopt a holistic approach, bringing together leaders from various departments to collaborate and embed AI-driven strategies into every aspect of their operations.

As Ireland embarks on this critical journey towards a sustainable future, the era of AI has begun, and there has never been a better time to prioritize multifaceted energy-efficient initiatives that align with national carbon reduction goals.