How is Technology Transforming Sustainability Efforts?
Technology is increasingly becoming the backbone of sustainability, helping industries meet environmental goals all while unlocking efficiency, competitiveness and resilience.
Climate Adaptation: Unlocking Value Chains with the Power of Technology, a report by The World Economic Forum (WEF) in conjunction with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), emphasises that with the world heading towards a 2.6–3.1°C temperature rise by 2100 and 2024 marking the hottest year ever, accelerating climate adaptation is urgent.
Central to this is the transformative role of technology, which empowers organisations to better understand, anticipate and respond to climate threats.
Using tech to power sustainability
Decarbonisation is one of the main areas where technology is driving sustainability action.
AI and ML are just some of the tools being deployed to optimise energy usage, predict demand and minimise waste.
For example, AI-powered grid management tools allow renewable energy to be integrated more effectively, balancing intermittent sources such as wind and solar.
Similarly, predictive analytics in manufacturing ensure that machines run at peak efficiency, reducing carbon-intensive downtime and resource use.
As well as this, companies are also leveraging digital twins – virtual replicas of physical assets – to monitor and optimise performance.
By simulating entire factories, supply chains or even cities, organisations can identify inefficiencies, forecast emissions and test sustainability measures before executing them in the real world.
Tech enabling energy-efficient practices
Global integrated energy solutions company Wasco is leveraging technology to advance sustainability across its operations.
The company has integrated energy-efficient practices and cleaner technologies, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2026.
It uses renewable energy sources and green energy tariffs, all while replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives to reduce carbon footprints.
Wasco promotes circular economy principles by recycling materials from its production processes, such as polyethene and polypropylene, which are reprocessed into resins that significantly cut the need for virgin materials.
On top of this, digital transformation – including AI and analytics – supports the company’s data-driven procurement and operational decisions, reinforcing its environmental stewardship and competitive edge in sustainability.
Tech-driven sustainability stewardship
ST Engineering is actively leveraging technology to drive sustainability across its global operations and customer solutions.
The company is committed to halving its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 through energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy adoption, including expanding solar power installations.
It integrates smart systems and AI to streamline processes and improve energy management.
ST Engineering also develops sustainable products, such as intelligent traffic and water management systems that reduce carbon emissions for users.
Moreover, it partners with companies like IHI to advance clean energy solutions like hydrogen and ammonia technologies, supporting decarbonisation goals on a broader scale.
Its sustainability efforts encompass circular economy practices, waste management and sustainable aviation fuel adoption.
Tech that makes a difference
Aboitiz Group is driving sustainability through a tech-centric transformation across its diverse business units.
It is evolving into a “techglomerate” by embedding advanced technologies like AI, data science and digital platforms into its core operations.
For example, its banking arm leverages cloud computing and AI to enable digital banking and enhance fraud detection with 86% accuracy.
Whereas over in manufacturing, AI and robotics enable real-time monitoring and optimise production across Southeast Asia.
The Apo Agua bulk water supply project integrates a 2MW hydroelectric plant with gravity-fed pipelines for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
Aboitiz Construction partners with Humble Sustainability to refurbish retired IT equipment, promoting e-waste reduction and circular economy practices. Its smart integration of technology supports operational efficiency, resource management and long-term sustainability goals aligned with community and environmental stewardship.
Showcasing technology sustainability leadership
Amazon is a leader at the intersection of technology and sustainability.
The multinational tech giant is harnessing advanced technology – particularly AI and cloud computing – to drive its ambitious sustainability goals.
Through AWS, Amazon deploys AI-based tools to optimise energy use in its extensive network of fulfilment centres, delivery stations and warehouses, significantly enhancing building efficiency and reducing emissions.
Tools like the Package Decision Engine use AI to minimise packaging waste, avoiding more than two million tons of excess material globally.
AI-powered systems also detect water leaks, conserve energy by monitoring HVAC and refrigeration units and improve operational reliability.
Amazon’s investment in custom AI chips, such as Trainium, helps reduce the energy consumption and cost of training generative AI models, supporting greener cloud infrastructure.
On top of this, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator fosters climate tech innovation by backing startups delivering breakthrough solutions in energy efficiency, waste reduction and water management.
These initiatives tie into Amazon’s broader Climate Pledge, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 through technology-driven decarbonisation and operational sustainability across its global operations.
The Sustainable Technology Forum
At Tech & AI LIVE Singapore, taking place virtually on 4 November 2025, The Sustainable Technology Forum will spotlight how technology is transforming sustainability efforts across the APAC region.
Leading experts, including Wasco’s CIO Tee Tze Phei, ST Engineering’s CTO Dr Kenneth Low, Aboitiz Group’s FVP & CISO Charmaine Valmonte and Rajesh Sura, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Amazon, will explore innovations in green IT, renewable energy technologies and sustainable supply chain management.
The session aims to showcase strategic approaches that balance environmental responsibility with business growth, reflecting APAC’s leading role in deploying sustainability-driven digital transformation.
To attend this panel –as well as other sessions at Tech & AI LIVE Singapore – get your ticket here.
