Uniting Sustainability and AI for Business Success: Key Takeaways from the North American Sustainability & Responsibility Summit
DeAnn Hargis, Dematic Director of Sustainability, reports on the recent trend of how sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) can work together to deliver a more profitable, environmentally responsible supply chain.
The landscape of modern business is rapidly evolving, with two key concepts at the forefront: sustainability and AI. When these areas intersect, they hold immense potential for innovation and growth.
At Dematic, we are committed to sustainability by actively participating in cross-industry discussions and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout our global operations. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a North America Sustainability & Responsibility Summit, which brings together sustainability leaders from across industries to share, learn, and explore how different corporations are implementing sustainability initiatives. The summit focused on the intersection of sustainability and AI how the powerful combination offers businesses a pathway to a more profitable, environmentally responsible future.
Three key takeaways from the summit:
- Collaboration is key to achieving sustainability goals: Collaboration between businesses, suppliers, and even competitors, is pivotally important. Initiatives like Walmart's “Project Gigaton” and PepsiCo's “Partners for Tomorrow” showcase the effectiveness of open communication and shared best practices. These collaborative efforts not only accelerate progress but also foster innovation and a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
- AI empowers sustainable business practices: AI is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity for businesses seeking to be competitive and sustainable. AI systems can optimize energy use, reduce waste, and provide insights that lead to more sustainable operations. Businesses that integrate AI into their operations can become “leaner and greener,” significantly improving their environmental impact.
- Sustainability sells by aligning with consumer values: Consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company's commitment to sustainability. Companies that prioritize sustainability gain market share by offering products and services that align with customer values. This trend presents a significant opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves and build brand loyalty. This is bigger than the consumer goods industries — business-to-business relationships are also driven by sustainability commitments.
Beyond the key takeaways
The summit also explored other critical aspects of sustainable business practices, including:
- The importance of net zero goals: Several companies discussed their strategies for achieving net zero emissions, a crucial step in combating climate change. The summit also highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes ambitious zero waste goals.
- The role of data and governance: Data analytics are essential for driving operational efficiency and achieving sustainability goals. However, strong governance practices are equally important to ensure the accuracy and transparency of sustainability reporting.
- The power of cross-sector coalitions: Collaboration isn't limited to within industries. The summit highlighted the formation of coalitions between companies in different sectors — such as airlines, energy companies, and technology giants — that are working together to develop sustainable aviation fuels.
Dematic's commitment to sustainability
The North American Sustainability & Responsibility Summit provided valuable insights for businesses of all sizes. By embracing collaboration, leveraging AI, and aligning with customer values, businesses can achieve long-term success by working toward a more sustainable future.
At Dematic, we are committed to sustainability. We consider it our responsibility to help advance a sustainable future for commerce where resources flow smoothly to consumers and efficiently to where they are most needed. Check out our Annual Sustainability Report, which details our ongoing efforts to create a greener tomorrow.
And if you have any questions about any of our related programs and efforts, feel free to contact me at sustainability@dematic.com.