The search for more sustainable practices is redefining how Brazilian companies use technology. According to a new study by the IBM Institute for Business Value, the adoption of generative AI (GAI) and large language models (LLMs) is becoming an essential tool for organizations in the country to promote more efficient IT operations with a lower environmental impact.
The research reveals that 41% of Brazilian companies are already using these technologies to optimize sustainability practices in the IT area.
IT Sustainability at the Crossroads
The report, titled “IT Sustainability at the Crossroads,” highlights that key applications of generative AI in sustainability initiatives include optimizing energy consumption, predicting carbon emissions and managing waste.
These implementations result in direct benefits, such as reducing the carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency, showing that technology can be a valuable ally in reducing environmental impacts.
Furthermore, the study indicates that 45% of companies in Brazil have already taken significant measures to reduce the environmental impacts resulting from IAG and LLMs.
An example of this is the adoption of AI for Sustainable Design, which minimizes the environmental impact of technological and machine learning applications. For 43% of companies, these actions had a considerable positive impact on the overall sustainability of IT operations.
Challenges and opportunities for IT sustainability in Brazil
While generative AI technologies offer promising solutions, the IBM report emphasizes the importance of a strategic and integrated approach.
Sustainability needs to be an essential part of the corporate decision-making process, and AI can play a fundamental role in this context, explains Carlos Tunes, Sustainability leader at IBM Brazil,
According to the study, only 23% of Brazilian companies consider sustainability assessments in the planning stages, even though around 15.5% of energy costs are allocated to IT operations.
For these practices to take hold, collaboration between internal areas is essential. Yet, only 20% of companies claim to be effective in communicating between departments around sustainability goals.
The study suggests that a cultural shift is needed. Greater employee training and aligning data management policies with sustainability goals are actions that can improve this flow.
Hybrid cloud and virtualization: ways to reduce carbon footprint
Among the main sustainable actions, hybrid cloud and server virtualization stand out as the most effective practices. They are adopted, for example, by 70% of companies to reduce the environmental impact of their IT operations.
Other measures include the use of low-power hardware and the use of renewable energy sources in data centers. These practices are adopted by 55% and 48% of companies, respectively. The study shows that 23% of companies using the hybrid cloud report significant improvements in the sustainability and efficiency of their operations.
Positive impact and financial incentives motivate sustainable initiatives
For many companies, the results of IT sustainability initiatives are clear: 73% of organizations report that their operations have become more efficient, while 50% have received financial incentives, such as rebates or tax credits, for adopting more sustainable practices.
Over the past 12 months, sustainability initiatives have resulted in an average 22% savings in energy costs. These actions have reduced the carbon footprint of IT operations by 16.5%.
IBM’s study reinforces the need for a holistic approach, where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The integration of generative AI into sustainable IT operations can become a competitive differentiator, positioning Brazilian companies as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable and responsible future.
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