Ancient nuns disguised as men: what we learn from their radical faith

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about living mindfully and intentionally. And while extreme self-denial might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the core message here is clear: sometimes, less really is more. Just like these ancient nuns and monks, we can find deeper meaning by living in alignment with nature and prioritizing spiritual growth over material gain.

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Sari Beeri from MIT uses AI to map city trees for urban planners and to assess the impact of climate change

In an era where companies face growing pressure to minimize their environmental impact, C3 AI is emerging as a crucial player in the battle against climate change. Rather than simply providing solutions for operational efficiency, this enterprise AI company is revolutionizing how industries measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprints.

For years, businesses have treated sustainability as a secondary concern, often relegating it to the background rather than embedding it into core operations. C3 AI is changing this narrative by integrating artificial intelligence into sustainability efforts, enabling companies to make informed, data-driven decisions to reduce waste, optimize energy consumption, and lower emissions.

In February 2023, C3 AI set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This commitment is more than just corporate rhetoric; the company has laid out a detailed plan, aiming for a 50% reduction in direct and energy-related emissions by 2030 and a 25% decrease in supply chain emissions by 2035. These targets are aligned with the 1.5˚C climate pathway and will be verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an organization that ensures corporate climate goals are grounded in scientific data.

AI-Powered Solutions Driving Change

C3 AI’s sustainability efforts extend beyond internal operations, with the company offering powerful AI-driven solutions that help other businesses manage their environmental impact.

One of the standout products, C3 AI ESG, offers real-time monitoring of carbon emissions, water usage, and waste production. This platform not only ensures compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards but also helps companies spot inefficiencies before they become expensive problems.

Another vital tool is C3 AI Energy Management, which analyzes energy consumption patterns and provides actionable recommendations for improvement. In industries where even minor efficiency gains can lead to significant reductions in emissions—such as manufacturing, logistics, and transportation—AI insights can produce meaningful environmental and financial benefits.

Collaborations for Accelerated Impact

C3 AI recognizes that technology alone can’t solve the climate crisis, which is why the company has built strategic partnerships to advance sustainable AI solutions.

For instance, a collaboration with ENGIE, a global low-carbon energy provider, is focused on developing AI technologies that help large facilities and university campuses optimize their energy use and cut carbon emissions. These efforts are particularly vital in tackling Scope 3 emissions—the indirect emissions generated through supply chains and business travel.

Beyond the energy sector, C3 AI is working with urban planners and government entities to incorporate AI into the development of smart cities. By using predictive analytics, C3 AI aims to reduce waste, enhance public transportation systems, and improve the resilience of urban infrastructure to climate-related challenges.

C3 AI’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond the technology it offers—it also shapes the company’s internal practices. Unlike traditional software firms that rely heavily on energy-consuming data centers, C3 AI has adopted a cloud-based infrastructure, which significantly reduces its own energy consumption.

The company also employs a remote-first work model, cutting down on commuting-related emissions while providing employees with more flexibility. Additionally, its supply chain policies prioritize vendors that adhere to environmentally and ethically responsible standards.

As the climate crisis demands urgent action, C3 AI is demonstrating that artificial intelligence can play a pivotal role in addressing one of the world’s most pressing issues. By combining cutting-edge technology with bold sustainability goals, C3 AI is not only transforming its own operations but also empowering businesses across industries to take action.

As the global corporate landscape increasingly shifts toward sustainability, C3 AI’s innovations emphasize a crucial point: with the right technology, climate action can be both an opportunity and a catalyst for smarter, more efficient, and more responsible business practices.

A Personal Reflection: Irony and Innovation

As Michael Cooper of MySayOnPay.com poignantly stated, “Life is full of irony. Tom Siebel – legendary CEO of C3.AI has recently gone blind, due to complications from a brief but bitter illness. The irony stems from Tom’s lifetime of successes in letting corporations see more clearly what is happening throughout their organizations. As the father of the Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Tom and his team invented the concept of seeing into the organization with technology. Siebel’s new company, C3.AI, advances the effort by moving from description of the enterprise to prediction with AI, allowing companies to avoid unwanted outcomes and leverage the desired outcomes faster and more accurately. We hope this type of technology will allow Siebel to see the light of day again soon.”

This tribute to Tom Siebel underscores not only the personal challenge he now faces but also the enduring power of his vision for a world where businesses can gain greater clarity and foresight through AI technology.

C3.ai, Inc. is an American technology company specializing in enterprise artificial intelligence. Based in Redwood City, California, the company founded in 2009. The company is listed on the NYSE as AI.

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