How AI Tools are Powering Amazon's Sustainability Goals
'Necessity is the mother of invention.' Has there ever been better proof of this old adage than climate change?
Mitigating climate change is the single greatest necessity of our era and harnessing the power of technology will be invaluable in the global pursuit of sustainability.
Right now, AI is one of those technologies changing the ways that companies approach sustainability.
Artificial intelligence can help businesses improve the efficiency of their operations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve ecosystems, protect biodiversity, deliver food security and react to and forecast extreme weather events.
Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, is one of many companies ramping up its use of AI when it comes to sustainability, in alignment with its Climate Pledge strategy.
In particular, Amazon is finding success in how AI can enhance building efficiency across its operations and value chain.
By leveraging AI, facilities can optimise their energy consumption, anticipate equipment malfunctions and improve overall building operations.
How Amazon is using AI to decarbonise its operations
Amazon's vast network of facilities, including fulfilment centres, delivery stations and specialised hubs (like Amazon Fresh warehouses and Prime Air Hubs) are now becoming more efficient and sustainable, thanks to AI.
This technological integration comes from solutions developed on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which hosts and curates these AI services.
“At Amazon, our culture is rooted in innovation and speed,” Amazon’s CSO Kara Hurst says.
"AI can enable both and we're using it in ways big and small to make progress," she says.
She details several ways Amazon is deploying AI to improve its sustainability.
The Package Decision Engine
This AI model selects the most efficient packaging for delivery, relying on machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Kara explains the impact: "So far, along with other packaging innovations, the Package Decision Engine has helped us avoid over two million tons of packaging material worldwide."
FlowMS
Another AI tool used in Amazon buildings is FlowMS, capable of detecting water leaks. One instance of its application saved nine million gallons of water annually, significantly aiding sustainability in the built environment, which is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Maximo
Developed in collaboration with The AES Corporation, this AI-powered robot assists with constructing solar farms and is equipped with computer vision to expedite and safe-handle installation processes. "Maximo can reduce solar construction timelines and costs by as much as 50%" says Kara.
She is confident in the potential of AI.
This is just the beginning and I'm excited about all the ways AI can help us reach our goals," she says.
Impactful results across Amazon
Amazon has enhanced its operations through artificial intelligence implementation across various business sectors.
Energy efficiency
Amazon's Base Building Advanced Monitoring (BBAM) utilises machine learning to oversee HVAC systems, scrutinise operational data and detect anomalies in energy usage.
By comparing live data with anticipated performance considering variables such as weather patterns, BBAM can identify issues like obstructed filters or faulty air conditioning equipment.
This approach not only conserves energy but also enhances system dependability.
Dock door management
AI tools contribute to energy conservation by notifying staff when doors remain inadvertently open at fulfilment centres and delivery locations.
When implemented broadly, this practice yields considerable energy savings.
As Kara explains, "At Amazon, we're pioneering AI applications to accelerate our decarbonisation efforts, including creating innovative solutions that further improve our buildings' energy and water efficiency.
This exemplifies how Amazon is applying our extensive AI development and sustainability expertise to envision significant improvements in business decarbonisation and operational efficiency."
Refrigeration optimisation
Amazon's Advanced Refrigeration Monitoring (ARM) tool examines intricate data patterns from refrigeration units in real-time.
This enables Amazon to sustain ideal temperatures for perishable items, whilst also anticipating potential operational challenges and identifying malfunctioning equipment, thereby preventing food wastage and decreasing energy consumption.
In Spain, for instance, ARM identified a variation in the defrost cycle pattern at one location, averting an estimated 1,000 hours of downtime.
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