[ESG Management Column] AI & Digital Ecosystem Advancement... Linkage with Disability Inclusion Policies

Disability Awareness Newspaper = Choi Bong-hyeok Columnist (AI, ESG, DX Convergence Expert, In-house Disability Awareness Training Expert) The advancement of AI and digital technology is bringing about innovative changes to companies' ESG management, establishing itself as a crucial factor in enhancing global competitiveness. In this column, we will analyze the impact of these technologies on ESG management using real-world examples and statistics, and examine their connection to disability inclusion policies in particular.

Environmental Aspect: Energy Efficiency and Reduced Carbon Emissions
First, let's examine examples of how AI technology contributes to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the environmental field. Siemens, a global German manufacturing company, introduced an AI-based smart factory system in its factories to optimize energy usage. This system leverages AI to analyze machine operating data in real-time and suggests ways to reduce energy waste. As a result, Siemens reduced energy consumption by over 15% and achieved cost savings of millions of Euros annually.

Furthermore, AI plays a crucial role in carbon emission management. Microsoft, a global technology company, utilizes AI in its data centers to monitor carbon emissions and develop optimal strategies for reduction. Microsoft has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and removing all carbon emissions it has generated by 2050. AI technology plays a vital role in achieving these goals, and in 2020 alone, Microsoft saw a 15% reduction in carbon emissions.

Social Aspect: Increased Diversity and Inclusion
AI technology also contributes to strengthening social responsibility and increasing diversity and inclusion. As a prime example, eBay, a global commerce company, has introduced an AI-based recruitment system to achieve unbiased hiring. This system is designed to exclude information such as applicant resumes, gender, and race, making hiring decisions based solely on skills and experience. As a result, eBay has significantly increased the hiring rate of women and minorities, improving overall employee diversity by over 30%.
Moreover, AI technology is helping diverse talents, including individuals with disabilities, work in a more inclusive environment. For instance, IBM has introduced AI-based accessibility features into its office environment. This technology assists employees with disabilities in performing their tasks more easily, and through such support, it is increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities. IBM has increased the global employment rate of people with disabilities by over 10%, and this is considered a successful example of disability inclusion policies.

Governance Aspect: Enhanced Transparency and Risk Management
AI is also helping to enhance transparency and risk management in the governance aspect of companies. Walmart has introduced a supply chain management system that combines blockchain and AI to transparently manage product origins and movement paths. This system tracks all processes from farm to consumer, contributing to ensuring product quality and safety. Through this system, Walmart has reduced food safety incidents by over 30% and significantly enhanced consumer trust.
Furthermore, AI-based risk management systems are being introduced in the financial sector. JP Morgan uses AI to monitor market and operational risks in real-time and promptly develop response strategies. This system contributed to a reduction of over 25% in JP Morgan's financial risks in 2019, and these achievements are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Link with Disability Inclusion Policies
Finally, these AI technologies and digital innovations can be closely linked to disability inclusion policies. By providing an inclusive environment for diverse talents, including people with disabilities, companies can strengthen the social aspect of ESG management. Introducing AI-based accessibility features, establishing unbiased recruitment systems, and creating safe and inclusive work environments will provide new opportunities for people with disabilities while simultaneously strengthening corporate social responsibility.

Conclusion
AI and digital technology are serving as crucial tools for enhancing corporate ESG management, and this is becoming an essential element for strengthening global competitiveness. The link with disability inclusion policies, in particular, will play a vital role in strengthening corporate social responsibility and pursuing inclusive and sustainable growth. Companies need to actively utilize these technologies to address environmental issues, fulfill social responsibilities, and build transparent governance. Furthermore, they should strive to strengthen global competitiveness by collaborating with governments on initiatives such as fostering the AI industry ecosystem and establishing AI ethical standards.

-Choi Bong-hyeok Columnist-
Vice Chairman, Korea AI & ESG Education Association
Director (Planning Committee Chairman), Korea Purchasing & Supply Management Society
Director, Korea Journalism & Information Technology Association
Publisher, Sports People Times
Publisher, Disability Awareness Newspaper
Korea Federation of Disabled Cultural and Arts Organizations
Deputy Chairman, Cultural and Arts Policy Committee
In-house Disability Awareness Training Specialist

#ESG #Sustainable Development #Eco-friendly #Environmental Protection #Climate Change #Carbon Neutrality #Green Growth #Environmental Management #Save the Earth #Future Generations

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