Despite artificial intelligence (AI) accelerating global business transformation, a growing number of companies are struggling to meet their climate targets, according to new research.
The new study from BearingPoint reveals that 95% of organisations have committed to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals or structured climate plans, yet 37% are already experiencing delays in achieving them. The findings reinforce a trend already identified by Fair Play Talks, where companies are embedding sustainability into strategy, but struggling with execution.
“Sustainability commitments are now firmly embedded in corporate strategy across industries. Yet translating these ambitions into measurable environmental progress remains challenging,” the report states.
ACHIEVING ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS IN THE AI ERA
The latest report from BearingPoint, “Achieving environmental goals in the AI era: Winning blueprint for sustainable technology,” points to a growing paradox. While AI is helping organisations optimise operations, reduce waste and improve reporting, it is also driving higher energy consumption and increasing emissions from digital infrastructure.
Currently, digital technologies account for less than 5% of corporate emissions for most companies. However, this share is expected to rise significantly as AI adoption accelerates. In fact, 38% of organisations expect AI’s carbon footprint to increase by more than 30% in the coming years.
“Many organisations have set ambitious climate targets, but turning these commitments into operational reality remains difficult,” noted Matthias Roeser, Global Leader Technology at BearingPoint. “AI is emerging as both a sustainability enabler and a new source of emissions, requiring stronger governance and measurement.”
GOVERNANCE & DATA GAPS
Despite widespread commitments, structural challenges are slowing progress. For example:
- Only 36% of businesses have fully integrated sustainability and technology strategies.
- 40% of CIOs/CTOs are not involved in sustainability decision-making.
- Just 20% co-develop climate goals at executive level.
Operational barriers are equally significant, the study shows:
- Only 33% of organisations have sufficient supplier data to support emissions reduction targets.
- 50% lack the right ESG tools to manage sustainability effectively.
- 67% believe dedicated ESG platforms will become the standard for sustainability management by 2030.
These measurement challenges echo previous reports that highlight ongoing gaps in ESG tracking and performance accountability. At a leadership level, the disconnect is also cultural. As shown in another report ESG Matters: Senior Leaders Value Sustainability While Juniors Demand Social Change, alignment between strategy and execution remains inconsistent across organisations.
TIME FOR AI TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABILITY
The BearingPoint study shows that while digital emissions are still relatively low today, their trajectory is changing rapidly. AI and advanced analytics are already being used to:
- Optimise energy consumption.
- Improve supply chain efficiency.
- Enable more accurate sustainability reporting.
But the same technologies require significant computing power, creating a new layer of environmental impact. Organisations must now strike a balance between using AI to accelerate sustainability and controlling its growing carbon footprint.
LEADERSHIP MATTERS
Historically, CIOs and CTOs have played a limited role in sustainability, focusing mainly on green IT initiatives. That is no longer enough. The study shows that technology leaders are now expected to take on a broader role, embedding sustainability into digital transformation and helping organisations track and reduce their environmental impact.
“AI can become one of the most powerful enablers of sustainability, but only if it is deployed responsibly,” shared Rémy Sergent, Global Leader People & Strategy at BearingPoint. “Organisations need a holistic approach that integrates sustainable technology architecture, transparent measurement of digital emissions and stronger collaboration.”
He added that: “CIOs and CTOs are increasingly expected to move beyond green IT and lead sustainable technology transformation.”
HOW COMPANIES CAN CLOSE THE GAP
To address the growing disconnect between ambition and execution, BearingPoint outlines a “Winning Blueprint for Sustainable Technology” – a five-part strategy designed to help organisations deliver on climate targets in the AI era. They include:
1. Manage AI for net-positive environmental impact
- Introduce “net CO₂ delta” analysis.
- Prioritize AI projects with measurable sustainability gains .
Two-thirds of leaders believe technology could reduce emissions by 6–30%, while nearly half say 11–25% of AI projects already deliver net-positive impact.
2. Strengthen sustainability governance
- Bring CIOs/CTOs into core decision-making.
- Align digital strategy directly with ESG goals.
- Establish joint governance structures.
3. Build sustainable technology capabilities
- Train teams in energy-efficient coding and green architecture.
- Embed sustainability KPIs into roles and performance.
4. Improve supplier data transparency
- 41% of CIOs lack sufficient supplier emissions data.
- Require environmental reporting in vendor contracts.
5. Invest in ESG measurement platforms
- 50% lack effective ESG tools today.
- 67% see dedicated sustainability platforms as the future.
These platforms enable real-time tracking, compliance and measurable progress.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The message from BearingPoint’s research is clear. The challenge is no longer setting climate targets, but delivering them in an AI-driven world.
As highlighted in recent discussions at Anthropy 2026: What This Year’s Leadership Gathering Revealed About Responsible Business in Britain, the pressure on organisations to align innovation with accountability is only intensifying.
Organisations that integrate sustainability into technology strategy, governance, and data systems will be best positioned to turn ambition into action. Those that fail to adapt risk falling further behind.
Download the full report here.
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