HANGZHOU, CHINA, May 8 – Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has released a new whitepaper titled Driving Sustainability with AI: A Guide to Partnering with Technology Service Providers, outlining how businesses can leverage AI and cloud computing to advance their sustainability strategies.
Drawing on insights from the Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024, which surveyed 1,300 business leaders across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the whitepaper combines data, actionable insights, and real-world case studies to help businesses close the gap between sustainability ambitions and tangible results.
Urgency Meets Innovation
The report reveals that while 80% of surveyed companies have set green targets, only one-third have adopted science-based net-zero goals. Many face significant challenges in executing sustainability plans due to limited technical expertise, measurement difficulties, and concerns over the environmental footprint of digital technologies.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. 76% of respondents view AI and cloud computing as essential enablers of sustainability, and 82% believe it is critical that these technologies themselves are developed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Green AI in Action
To help companies turn insight into impact, Alibaba Cloud highlights real-world applications of its AI-driven sustainability tools. Its Energy Expert platform, for example, uses AI to provide real-time monitoring of emissions and energy usage, serving over 3,000 organizations globally.
A notable case study includes a collaboration with polymer materials company Covestro and beverage brand Nongfu Spring. Together, they used AI to track lifecycle emissions of recycled water barrels, which were later repurposed into gel pens—demonstrating full supply chain transparency and circular economy potential.
In addition, Alibaba Cloud’s open-source Qwen model series exemplifies the company’s commitment to low-carbon AI innovation. Japanese AI start-up Lightblue utilized Qwen to develop a localized, energy-efficient Japanese-language model, significantly lowering both development costs and environmental impact.
Five Strategies for Sustainable Digital Transformation
The whitepaper outlines five key strategies for companies looking to integrate sustainability into their digital transformation journey:
- Link AI and cloud adoption with sustainability KPIs, such as emissions reduction and resource optimization.
- Partner with transparent, green technology providers committed to renewable energy use and efficient infrastructure.
- Embed cybersecurity into sustainability planning to overcome barriers to digital tool adoption.
- Adopt open-source, energy-efficient AI models that support local innovation and reduce environmental costs.
- Foster public-private collaboration, with 82% of executives supporting stronger government involvement through incentives, policies, and education.
A Call to Action for Business Leaders
“Sustainability is no longer just a responsibility—it’s a competitive advantage and a driver of long-term growth,” the whitepaper asserts. As companies navigate the intersecting pressures of climate action and digital transformation, success hinges on choosing the right tools, partners, and strategies to deliver measurable outcomes.
With the right foundation, AI and cloud technologies have the potential to power a smarter, greener, and more resilient future for global businesses.
