This month at the annual Sustainability Leaders | A World 50 Group Community U.S. Member Exchange - Artificial Intelligence and the sustainability implications were at the forefront of the discussion. The event, co-hosted at Jabil Inc.’s global headquarters featured a cross-section of corporate executives, tech gurus and academic experts to examine how data-rich tools can speed decarbonisation and help businesses keep pace with tightening regulations.
The panel session, “Sustainability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” was moderated by Dr. Pradeep Haldar, professor and Director of Sustainable Business Concentration at the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS).
Dr. Haldar guided a cross-industry conversation with:
- Eric Caplan, Director of Sustainability, Tampa International Airport
- Allen Starr, Vice President, Goodwill Industries–Suncoast
- Nick Fletcher, Sustainability Strategist, TECO Energy
The panel examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping corporate sustainability, from automating emissions accounting to optimizing energy use, and weighed both the opportunities and the limitations of emerging digital tools.
The day-long exchange covered a range of topics, including:
- Future-proofing sustainability functions
- AI and sustainable finance
- Supplier collaboration for decarbonization
Key insights from the event suggests that decarbonization success depends on close cooperation across value chains, reliable data and clear financing standards. Speakers also noted the maturation of the sustainable-debt market since 2021, with tighter definitions now helping direct capital toward verified net-zero projects.
Dr. Haldar’s role underscored the college’s expertise at the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship. Events like this highlight the real-world relevance of our curriculum and research.