Digital technologies are changing the way companies pursue sustainable development goals — environmental, social and governance-related alike. Artificial intelligence and data analytics help monitor emissions, manage environmental impact, design services for society and strengthen users’ cybersecurity. At the same time, the development of AI creates new ESG challenges related to ethics, skills and the carbon footprint of technology.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented development of artificial intelligence. On the one hand, this is a huge opportunity because we are able to work much more efficiently and gain access to vast data resources that we were previously unable to process so quickly. On the other hand, it also brings major challenges, including how to develop young talent and give young people opportunities in the labour market when, seemingly, they can be easily replaced. As employers, but also as business and as a market, we therefore have a great responsibility to use artificial intelligence mechanisms wisely while continuing to build skills. This is also a major responsibility in terms of ethics. Years ago, we set standards for ethical business, and now, in the age of artificial intelligence, ethics is taking on an entirely new meaning,” Irena Pichola, President of the Responsible Business Forum and Chair of the Steering Committee of Chapter Zero Poland, told Newseria.
In Poland, the use of artificial intelligence in business remains relatively low. According to Statistics Poland, in 2025 AI technologies were used by 8.7 percent of enterprises, compared with 5.9 percent a year earlier. They were most often used to generate text or speech, analyse written language, automate processes and support decision-making. This technology is becoming a valuable tool for achieving ESG goals related to the environment, society and corporate governance.
“Artificial intelligence can be used, for example, to monitor heat emissions in buildings or greenhouse gas emissions. Another example is cybersecurity, where AI engines track various anomalies and help prevent hackers from taking over devices,” says Jacek Łęgiewicz, Corporate Affairs Director at Samsung Electronics Polska.
“New technology creates enormous opportunities for sustainable development. It allows us to measure, calculate and create efficiency mechanisms that we were previously unable to control or manage. This is a huge opportunity,” says Irena Pichola. “On the other hand, technology obviously involves massive energy consumption and responsibility for environmental impact through emissions. That is why ensuring access to green energy when building large data centres is crucial.”
The development of artificial intelligence is linked to growing demand for computing power and electricity. According to the IEA report “Energy and AI”, data centres consumed around 415 TWh of electricity in 2024. By the end of the decade, this figure may more than double to 945 TWh. Data centres also use significant amounts of water to cool servers. At the same time, individual queries submitted to advanced AI models may require many times more energy than traditional internet searches.
The OECD also points out that, when used appropriately, artificial intelligence can support the energy transition. This includes optimising the operation of electricity grids, reducing the use of raw materials, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the power system, and assisting in climate change modelling and forecasting extreme weather events.
“The use of artificial intelligence carries a very significant carbon footprint, although of course it is incomparably smaller than that of traditional analogue media, such as the press. Nevertheless, we should be aware that this footprint exists and use technology consciously and responsibly,” says Jacek Łęgiewicz.
The development of artificial intelligence also means that the principles of responsible use of this technology are becoming increasingly important.
“I am convinced that transparent use of artificial intelligence, with people at the centre and technology positioned as a tool serving human activity, is the path that will support business,” says the Samsung director. “We are trying to build skills among young people related to the responsible use of artificial intelligence by inviting them to take part in the Solve for Tomorrow programme.”
As he emphasises, the move towards regulating this area appears to be a good idea, provided that it does not restrict the development of AI but instead guides the technology towards use in the service of people.
Since 2 February 2025, the first provisions of the AI Act have applied in the European Union. They prohibit the highest-risk applications of artificial intelligence and require appropriate skills to be ensured among people using AI systems. Further provisions of the regulation will be introduced gradually until 2027.
One ESG initiative carried out by Totalizator Sportowy concerns the cybersecurity of players. As the expert emphasises, there are now so many threats in the digital world that responsibility for user safety also lies with companies that provide digital products and services.
“This concerns how our services are designed and how they inform players about threats, tools and measures they can use. This builds trust in the brand,” says Joanna Strzelczyk. “The second issue is user responsibility. Users receive tools and information they can use, which allows them to make rational and independent decisions about how to use these services. In the case of Totalizator Sportowy, these include responsible gaming tools that we provide to players, as well as information, educational activities and solutions related to account protection and login data security. We also remind users that a player profile belongs to a specific person and must not be shared with others, especially minors.”
In an era of rapid technological development, improving skills is becoming a key issue. This also applies to the entire ESG area.
“We very much need courageous, educated and forward-looking leaders who understand the scale of the transformation,” says Irena Pichola. “If I were to name several key skills that are essential today, I would certainly start with analytical skills: data analysis, processing the information resources we now have access to, and drawing conclusions from them. Secondly, technical skills are also important. In ESG and sustainable development, engineering skills, technical education and the ability to look at challenges related to new technologies are also crucial.”
An increasing number of projects submitted by companies to the report “Responsible Business in Poland 2025. Good Practices”, prepared regularly by the Responsible Business Forum, concern technology, AI, digitalisation and cybersecurity. This year’s edition presents 932 initiatives implemented by 263 companies. The report was launched during the ESG Ideas Fair organised by the Responsible Business Forum, which brought together representatives of business, public administration, social organisations and the academic community.
