2024 Global Sustainability Barometer Study: Bridging the Gap Between Intent and Action

GeSI is pleased to highlight the “2024 Global Sustainability Barometer Study,” commissioned by our member Kyndryl. This insightful study delves into the critical roles that strategy, data, and AI play in achieving sustainability goals, while also identifying the gaps between organizational intent and action.

Study Overview:

Conducted by Ecosystm in August and September 2024, the study reflects the perspectives of 1,355 global sustainability leaders across 20 countries and nine industries. It provides a comprehensive look at how organizations are integrating sustainability into their strategies and the challenges they face in doing so.

Key Findings:

1. Strategic Importance vs. Implementation:
   • While 84% of organizations recognize the strategic importance of sustainability, only 19% have implemented data-driven initiatives. This disparity highlights a significant gap between acknowledging the need for sustainability and taking concrete action.
2. Employee Engagement:
   • Many organizations struggle to engage employees effectively in their sustainability programs. Although most employees are somewhat aware of sustainability goals, 67% exhibit limited understanding. Only 33% of organizations ensure staff are fully informed about sustainability progress and KPIs, and a mere 9% link sustainability performance to compensation.
3. Technology Adoption:
   • Despite widespread recognition of technology’s importance, only 40% of organizations fully utilize it for sustainability goals. Just 15% effectively use sustainability data to drive organizational transformation.
   • The study also reveals that while 80% of organizations acknowledge technology’s potential, only 27% feel they effectively leverage it. AI, in particular, remains underutilized for critical applications such as assessing Scope 3 risks and forecasting energy consumption.
4. Dual Role of Technology:
   • Only 21% of organizations recognize technology’s dual role in reducing their carbon footprint and advancing broader sustainability goals. This indicates a need for a more holistic approach to integrating technology into sustainability strategies.

Conclusion:

The “2024 Global Sustainability Barometer Study” underscores the urgent need for organizations to move beyond intent and implement effective, data-driven sustainability initiatives. By leveraging technology and AI, organizations can bridge the gap between strategy and action, driving meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

We invite you to explore this valuable resource and consider how your organization can enhance its sustainability efforts.