Summary

Completed

The world needs sustainability solutions to build a better future. We must rethink the way we approach many industrial processes to ensure they’re energetically efficient, reduce pollution and waste, and so on. This task involves many sectors, such as farming, manufacturing, land management, and mobility. This module illustrates with real examples that leading organizations are using AI to boost their sustainability initiatives.

Microsoft offers a wide range of AI products and services to enable these sustainability scenarios. Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability is tailored to the sector’s needs, but you can also use Azure Machine Learning and Azure AI Services, among others. The latest generative AI models are also available via Azure OpenAI Services.

Now that you've reviewed this module, you should:

  • Identify goals and challenges for sustainability
  • Identify opportunities for AI in sustainability

Use these resources to discover more

Tip

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References

  1. Tachet des Combes, Remi; Odmark, Erika, and Buchanan, Will,"Measuring the Carbon Intensity of AI in Cloud Instances," ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, June 2022.
  2. Fletcher, Olivia, "Microsoft Snaps Up Huge Clean Power Deal for Irish Data Hub," Bloomberg, November 23, 2022. Microsoft News Center, "Microsoft and Qcells announce strategic alliance to curb carbon emissions and power the clean energy economy," Microsoft Source, January 25, 2023.
  3. Smith, Brad, "An update on Microsoft’s sustainability commitments: Building a foundation for 2030," The Official Microsoft Blog, March 10, 2022.
  4. Umay, Kadri; Oruganti, Yagna; Milletari, Mirco; Pternea, Moschoula, and Kowalchuk, Peter, "Microsoft and Accenture partner to tackle methane emissions with AI technology," Azure Blog, August 23, 2023.
  5. "Schneider Electric minimizes costs and worker risk with Azure Machine Learning service predictive maintenance," Microsoft Customer Stories, May 2, 2019.
  6. "Metinvest achieves blast-furnace efficiency with Azure Machine Learning," Microsoft Customer Stories, July 23, 2021.
  7. Smith, Elliott, "AI may hold a key to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest," Microsoft Source, September 6, 2023.
  8. "Fifty thousand nature shots in two days: The Bavarian Forest National Park is simplifying its wildlife monitoring with Microsoft Azure and AI," Microsoft Customer Stories, August 16, 2023.
  9. "The Société du Canal de Provence relies on data to optimize the management of water supply networks and the use of this resource in the face of climate change," Microsoft Customer Stories, May 4, 2023.
  10. "Historic city saves energy and improves quality of life with smart lighting control based on Azure IoT Hub," Microsoft Customer Stories, June 17, 2023.