AI to the rescue
An artificial intelligence (AI) platform helping businesses map and deliver their sustainability ambitions was launched yesterday, Wednesday.
Future Planet, an Irish-developed AI-based sustainability transformation platform, has been created by software entrepreneur and Cork man Donal Daly and sustainability supply chain expert, Ingrid De Doncker who lectures in UCC and Griffith College.
Those behind Future Planet say it is the only software solution of this kind on the market. The cloud-based platform maps out and builds a company's sustainability journey, defining target outcomes and enabling an actionable plan. Traditionally, using a sustainability consultancy firm takes on average six weeks for in-depth analysis. Using Future Planet will reduce this to less than a day saving time and resources, it said.
The team have also launched a free personal carbon footprint app, available on IOS and Android, for the general public and employees working from home to assess their own CO2 emissions. This will mean companies can include their team's homeworking in their emissions calculations.
With the country's first carbon budget due to be announced and the gathering of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), those involved with Future Planet say major changes are imminent to everyday lives to bring climate change under control.
Ireland has made a commitment to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 51 per cent reduction by 2030.
This requires a reduction of at least seven per cent per annum.
Future Planet founder Donal Daly said: “The stakes are real for companies. Outside of climate change being a collective crisis for humankind, failure to have carbon targets in place can impact access to capital, the ability to attract new investors, retain customer loyalty and also affect attracting top talent.
“However, the challenge for many businesses is that they see corporate climate action as being both costly and complicated. Our mission is to be part of the solution, making it easier for companies to build a clear roadmap that will help them define and achieve their sustainability targets while delivering their commercial goals,” he added.