Advances in AI have surged over the past two years. But amid the hype lies a crucial question: how can businesses use AI systems to sift through large datasets and optimise energy usage, reducing waste as a result? AI has the potential to transform industries, like agriculture, healthcare, finance, education, and more, says Manish Prasad, president & MD, SAP Indian subcontinent. “As we continue to integrate AI into various sectors, it is crucial to do so responsibly, ensuring that AI itself remains sustainable and ethical,” he tells Sudhir Chowdhary in an interview. Excerpts:
How can AI power a more sustainable future?
India, as one of the fastest-growing economies, has a unique opportunity to lead globally in leveraging AI for sustainable development. The country’s diverse communities face distinct and new opportunities, but by scaling localised solutions into a broader national framework, India can pave the way for a future of sustainable progress powered by technology.
AI can significantly enhance India’s infrastructure, making it more resilient and efficient. For example, in water-scarce regions like Karnataka, AI-powered tools are already being used to predict water demand, detect leaks, and improve conservation efforts. In waste management, AI can optimise sorting and recycling processes, reducing the burden on landfills, and improving recycling rates.
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When it comes to renewable energy, AI algorithms can predict energy production from solar and wind, helping manage the grid more effectively and ensuring the maximised use of these resources. By integrating AI into these critical infrastructure areas, India can not only tackle its own sustainability challenges but also set a global example for how technology can power a more sustainable future.
Any use cases where the technology has transformed business operations?
The unparalleled capacity of AI to process complex data, optimise operations, and anticipate outcomes demands a rethink of the way many industries create value. From streamlining supply chains and minimising food wastage, to delivering high-quality products and services, AI could empower organisations to turn sustainability from a compliance exercise into a strategic differentiator. AI can also enable businesses to embrace effective methods of implementing sustainability actions such as monitoring carbon emissions.
The key is to maximise how we use the data available to us. Consider how the healthcare brand Himalaya is putting its data to work. By using new innovations, the company is able to calculate carbon footprints for every individual product it makes, from cradle-to-grave. With this granular level of carbon accounting, the organisation is optimising its supply chain, power, water, and waste management – and is positioning itself to benefit from innovations in AI and blockchain in the future.
AI can also bring the effects of climate change into sharper focus, making its impact visual and tangible to everyone. Imagine a farmer realising how precision water use saves both crops and resources, or a factory worker witnessing real-time energy savings from optimised machines. Vivid, data-backed analysis can transform abstract challenges into actionable steps.
How can AI drive efficiency and sustainability in agriculture?
AI can revolutionise Indian agriculture by providing farmers with predictive analytics and personalised advice on soil health, weather patterns, and crop management. This technology can enhance resource efficiency, boost productivity, and support sustainable farming practices. Encouraging small-scale farmers to adopt AI involves creating accessible and affordable tools. This can happen by offering training programmes and fostering partnerships between farmer producer organisations (FPOs), private sector entities, and government bodies to ensure comprehensive support and integration into traditional farming methods.
There are concerns around data privacy and security…
Absolutely. While AI’s role in achieving sustainability goals is essential, it comes with its shares of precautions. As AI technology advances, the ethical and security implications of its deployment have become significantly pertinent. To ensure that technology serves people and our planet responsibly, it is important to build AI systems that are reliable, relevant, and responsible, without compromising on fairness or inclusivity. Ethical AI can build trust, foster further innovations, and ensure that benefits are shared by all, widely and equitably. Regular audits, adherence to ethical guidelines, and collaboration amongst all stakeholders —including the government, private sector, research institutions and citizens can nurture sustainability as a collective endeavour.