How will AI affect people, planet and profit?

As a B-corp business, Ruebik is deeply committed to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. In the five years since our inception, it has become increasingly clear that AI and technology are at the forefront of the skills sought by hiring managers in recruitment.

Simultaneously, organisations are actively experimenting with these advancements, as we have discovered through our consultancy efforts. Organisations have shifted focus to the bigger picture, striving for an equitable future.

Although AI has a large carbon footprint and produces e-waste, there is evidence to believe that it might just help us on our road to creating a more environmentally-friendly world.

AI can quickly measure data, eliminate human error, create predictive insights, identify risks and analyse data.

With that in mind, what can AI do for people, the planet and profit?

• AI can measure and report ‘Return On Investment’ of sustainability efforts. According to Morgan Stanley, this means that when it comes to sustainable investing, “predictive modelling… is helping investors fill these gaps in sustainability disclosures”. Ultimately, being able to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions of a company, leading to more sustainable investment decisions.
• AI can also lead to more responsible supply chains, through data analysis. According to Georgetown University: “The interplay between AI and supply chain management, two critical sectors, is more important than ever to create economic stability and resiliency”. But, humans must still interpret the ethics of AI recommendations.
• AI can help reduce the impacts of climate change. For example, AI-powered satellite sensors can determine a company’s exposure to physical risks or negative environmental impacts, allowing us to minimise these risks. AI can also predict weather, track icebergs and identify pollution, helping to improve agriculture and reduce environmental impact, according to the World Economic Forum.

As companies continue to prioritise the triple bottom line, it is clear that AI may be able to help them with this transformation by creating more sustainable solutions.