But what does this look like in practice ? There are a number of burgeoning fields of technologies that offer a path . A digital approach enabling the innovative use of data analytics is one that is being readily embraced .
Westholm-Knebel notes the growing use of this approach among players in the field : “ In ABB ’ s recent Billions of Better Decisions research study , 96 % of decision makers across 12 industries agreed that digitalisation was essential to achieve sustainability goals . In a recent survey of 400 executives from various industries and regions conducted by Bain & Company and the World Economic Forum ( 2022 ), 40 % of respondents said they believe digital technologies are already having a positive impact on their sustainability goals .”
Machine learning ( ML ) and AI – the buzzwords of the year – are helping speed this process along : “ Move towards autonomous , taking automation to autonomous allows operations to simply run better and more efficiently . ML and AI help to identify and mitigate production interruptions , meaning workers will spend less time troubleshooting in physical environments and more time addressing issues remotely , which delivers tangible sustainability benefits .”
The results have been tangible for ABB , which has “ reduced its own CO2 emissions by 65 % since 2019 as part of its Sustainability Strategy 2030 ”, and it now seeks to be carbon neutral by the end of the decade .
“ Our strategy details how we will support our global customers in reducing their annual CO2 emissions by at least 100Mt by 2030 – the equivalent of removing 30 million combustion cars from the roads . We also work with our most impactful suppliers to achieve a 50 % reduction in their emissions by 2030 and ensure that responsible sourcing is a core part of our processes and purchasing activities .”
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