Google – Elena Méndez Leal – 2024
SummaryElena worked with Google’s Global Sustainability team on a project focused on researching and recommending how Google can adapt to the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting by leveraging rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This effort addressed the growing role and potential of AI tools in corporate sustainability reporting and sought to ensure that Google keeps up with this evolving space, particularly for content generation and content interaction.GoalsGoogle aims to leverage its strengths in AI and sustainability to pioneer best practices in applying AI to corporate sustainability reporting. To accomplish this goal, Google looks to demonstrate AI’s ability to enhance the quality, accessibility, and impact of sustainability disclosures (e.g., Google’s Environmental Report). Opportunities for integration span across the reporting cycle, with large potential in sustainability data, content generation, content interaction, partnerships, and upskilling of sustainability professionals. Elena conducted in-depth research into existing and emerging AI tools for sustainability reporting. She performed structured interviews to evaluate how peers, tooling providers, and other Google teams are addressing similar challenges.SolutionsShe identified opportunities to enhance reporting processes, potential partnerships for AI integration, and actionable steps for Google’s 2025 reporting cycle. She also informed longer-term priorities (2025-2030) and a vision for the future of AI in sustainability reporting.
Recommendations included:
1. Content Generation: Leverage AI tools for content creation, including drafting responses, conducting assessments, and tailoring content to specific frameworks.
2. Content Interaction: Optimize report content for AI tools and enhance accessibility for a broader audience, including continued development of AI chatbots for sustainability functions, improving machine readability, optimizing data visualization, and exploring AI-driven modalities to present content.
3. Partnerships: Seek and deepen collaborations with internal and external groups to identify new opportunities for AI integration in sustainability reporting.
4. Data: Continue exploration of AI solutions to streamline data collection, validation, assurance, and benchmarking.
5. Skilling: Foster an environment of continuous learning and training to expand expertise on AI tools within Google’s sustainability teams.Potential ImpactElena’s research and recommendations highlight the transformative potential of AI for sustainability reporting at Google and beyond. As an industry leader in AI and sustainability, Google can significantly enhance the efficiency of its reporting processes, freeing up valuable resources to focus on strategic sustainability initiatives. The scalability of AI solutions means that the benefits of this work can extend far across the sustainability reporting landscape. By leveraging AI to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and deepen stakeholder engagement, Google can drive meaningful progress and impact.
