Seoul, South Korea – A new global sustainability index report, jointly conducted by Kyndryl Korea and Microsoft, has revealed a significant gap between companies recognizing the importance of sustainability and those taking concrete actions.

While 84% of surveyed companies stated that sustainability goals are strategically important, only 21% reported using technology to reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainability strategies. The report, which delves into how companies worldwide are navigating the intersection of sustainability and technology, highlights the need for a more robust approach to sustainable business practices.

Key findings from the report include:

Data utilization: Although 54% of companies have integrated sustainability goals into their reporting frameworks, only 19% are actively using data for strategic planning and decision-making.
AI adoption: While 55% of companies recognize the potential of AI to drive sustainability goals, 62% still rely on analyzing historical data for monitoring and reporting.
Progress towards sustainability: While there is still room for improvement, the report also found a positive trend, with approximately 38% of organizations reporting increased focus on sustainability goals and programs compared to the previous year.
To bridge the gap between sustainability goals and actions, Kyndryl Korea has recommended the following:

Integrating technology into sustainability strategies: Companies should leverage technology to transform abstract sustainability goals into actionable, data-driven plans.
Utilizing AI for predictive analytics: By employing AI to forecast energy demand based on current trends and patterns, companies can adopt a more comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility.
Consolidating data for informed decision-making: Effective integration of disparate data sources can enable data-driven decision-making for sustainability initiatives.
Leadership commitment: CEOs and other executives should drive cross-functional collaboration and make sustainability a core business priority.
"Sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity," said Ryu Joo-bok, CEO of Kyndryl Korea. "Companies must leverage technology to concretize their sustainability goals and transform them into actionable strategies. Through our partnership with Microsoft, we are committed to helping our clients minimize their environmental impact while maximizing business performance."

The report underscores the importance of technology in driving sustainable business practices. By integrating AI and data analytics into their sustainability strategies, companies can not only meet their environmental goals but also gain a competitive advantage in today's market.