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Putting the AI in SustAInability

The recent Sustainability Council webinar was an insightful and thought-provoking session led by Emma Herd, Partner at Ernst & Young’s Climate Change and Sustainability team and co-leader of EY’s Net-Zero Centre.

The session tackled a highly relevant and timely topic: how emerging technologies like AI can be both a powerful tool and a complex challenge in the sustainability journey. Emma covered a wide range of topics, from the exponential growth of AI and its energy demands to its potential to transform ESG outcomes across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, finance and health.

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Key takeaways included:

  • AI’s dual impact: While AI offers new ways to optimise data, reduce emissions and reach sustainability targets faster, it also brings a growing environmental footprint – particularly through data centre energy consumption.
  • The case for responsible AI: Organisations need to consider governance, transparency, ethical use and data privacy as core to their AI adoption strategies.
  • Energy and emissions alignment: As Emma highlighted, “If you're building an AI strategy, you also need to be building an energy and decarbonisation strategy.” AI’s energy intensity makes it critical to align new technologies with existing climate goals.
  • Workforce shifts: From job creation to automation risks, the social implications of AI must be considered as part of a sustainable and equitable future.
  • Action starts now: The best way to prepare for AI’s impact is to get involved, learn by using it and ensure sustainability teams have a seat at the table as organisations design their AI strategies.

This session formed part of the Sustainability Council’s commitment to empowering Drinks Association members with tools and knowledge to meet ESG expectations and drive meaningful, long-term change.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue working together to shape a more sustainable future for our industry.

Find out more about the Drinks Association's Sustainability Council

Emma Herd

Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability & Co-Leader of the EY Net Zero Centre, Ernst & Young

Emma is a Partner with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability team and the Co-leader of the EY Net Zero Centre. Emma is a skilled professional with over 20 years’ experience in climate change, sustainable finance and sustainability practice. Prior to joining EY, Emma was Chief Executive Officer of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) (2015-2021) and Environment Commissioner for the Greater Sydney Commission (2020-2021). Previously, Emma worked at Westpac for over 15 years across a range of sustainability, environment, sustainable finance, climate change, carbon trading and ESG risk management roles. Emma is a regular media contributor on climate change matters and a respected voice on climate transition implications for business.

Putting the AI in SustAInability