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2024 Global Sustainability Barometer Study

As increasing climate chaos creates a disruptive impact on businesses, climate crisis, resource scarcity and environmental destruction are no longer just news stories — they are daily realities affecting all of us. Despite numerous sustainability initiatives, progress is not happening fast enough to meet the demands of a growing population and a rapidly changing planet.

 

The second edition of The Global Sustainability Barometer study — commissioned by Kyndryl and Microsoft — examines the roles that strategy, data and AI play in achieving sustainability goals and highlights the gaps between organizational intent and action.

Conducted by Ecosystm in August and September of 2024, this study reflects the perspectives of 1,355 global sustainability leaders spanning 20 countries and nine industries. Respondents were evenly split between technology leaders and sustainability leaders from various business lines. The study also outlines the crucial role of technology in organizations achieving their sustainability goals.

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Taken in Nanjing, China

Organizational strategy

Despite 84% of organizations recognizing sustainability’s strategic importance, only 19% have implemented data-driven initiatives. This reveals a significant gap between intent and action.

 

Organizations continue to struggle to engage employees in their sustainability programs. While most organizations report that employees are somewhat aware of goals and responsibilities, 67% still exhibit limited understanding.

 

Many organizations have employee sustainability programs, but their effectiveness is often limited by insufficient access to information and data; 33% of organizations ensure staff are fully informed about sustainability progress, roles and key performance indicators (KPIs); and only 9% link sustainability performance to compensation, missing a chance to emphasize shared responsibility.

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Technology adoption

Despite widespread recognition of technology’s importance for achieving sustainability goals, only 40% of organizations fully use it. Similarly, just 15% effectively use sustainability data to inform their organizational transformation.

 

Only 21% of organizations globally recognize technology's dual role in reducing their own carbon footprints and advancing the company’s broader sustainability goals. The data also indicates that while 80% acknowledge technology's importance in achieving these objectives, only 27% feel they effectively tap into its potential.

 

While 54% of organizations recognize AI’s potential to significantly impact sustainability goals, it remains underutilized for critical applications like assessing Scope 3 risks, forecasting energy consumption, and preparing for natural disasters. AI is primarily used for reporting purposes.

 

The findings of this study align with the Kyndryl Readiness Report, launched in October 2024 where it mentions that 90% of organizations prioritize sustainability in tech modernization initiatives, but 54% are challenged to meet sustainability and ESG goals.

How Kyndryl can help

Standardize organizational ESG data, ensure transparent and automated reporting, and boost performance by leveraging AI-powered insights and forecasts with Kyndryl and partner-enabled sustainability solutions.

Strategy

Align sustainability with your business strategy. We help you set and achieve ambitious targets aligned to your business context.

Data and Insights

Build a strong ESG data foundation across the organization and value chain, enabling AI and analytics to address business challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.

Transformation

Modernize your business while advancing sustainability. Harness the predictive capabilities of AI to future-proof your business and meet your goals.

Related resources

Kyndryl + Microsoft study

The Global Sustainability Barometer Study 2024 by Kyndryl and Microsoft emphasizes the urgent need for collective action on climate change and highlights how data and AI can improve sustainability efforts and reduce carbon footprints.

Read the press release

5 key takeaways from the 2024 Global Sustainability Barometer study

The Global Sustainability Barometer study, which evaluates organizational strategy and technology adoption, offers insights into how businesses can harness technology and AI to navigate the intricate landscape of sustainability.

Read the article

Corporate Citizenship Report

Kyndryl's 2024 Corporate Citizenship Report highlights its sustainability goals, including net zero emissions by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Learn more

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