Bengaluru: IBM’s inaugural ‘State of Sustainability Readiness Report 2024, on Thursday, revealed that nearly all Indian business leaders (98%) are planning to increase their IT investments in sustainability over the next year.
The research underscores a growing recognition of the role technology plays in fostering not only environmental responsibility but also long-term business resilience (61%) and brand reputation (64%).
Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India/South Asia, highlighted the significance of AI in driving sustainability, stating, “As sustainability becomes central to business growth strategies, AI is proving to be a game-changer in responsible growth.”
He further noted that India is emerging as a leader in AI-driven sustainability, with local businesses increasingly leveraging these technologies to meet their environmental goals.
The report found overwhelming support for AI’s role in achieving sustainability objectives, with 96% of Indian executives believing that AI could positively impact their sustainability efforts. This enthusiasm is reflected in the fact that 64% of Indian companies are already deploying AI technologies in their sustainability initiatives.
However, the report pointed to specific challenges facing Indian businesses, particularly around water usage. Despite these hurdles, brand reputation (64%) and long-term resilience (61%) remain key drivers behind IT investments in sustainability.
The study also highlighted India’s proactive stance on climate resilience, with 81% of Indian leaders adopting forward-thinking strategies. Additionally, 79% of Indian companies have established mature systems for tracking their sustainability goals through data.
The report offers actionable recommendations for businesses seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Key suggestions include investing in AI tools tailored to organisational needs, such as generative AI, to reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable business practices.
It also advises organisations to use data analysis tools to bridge the perception gap between senior executives and lower-level decision-makers, ensuring alignment and visibility across sustainability initiatives.
Conducted by Morning Consult between April and May 2024, the report surveyed 2,790 business leaders across 15 industries and nine countries, including India
