By David Plummer
With increased regulation to mitigate the impacts of climate change amid a growing societal demand for companies to step up on sustainability practices, the Australian Accounting Standard Board (AASB) has laid out the reporting standards for companies to disclose information about all sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could reasonably be expected to affect the entity’s cash flows. As of 1 January 2025, the AASB mandates carbon emissions reporting for Australian companies.
As a result, we have started to witness more businesses in the region engaging in sustainability practices, linking sustainability metrics to a company’s financial performance, in a recent research by SAP. Understanding the strong relationship between sustainability and an organisation’s profitability, several GDP-contributing sectors have adopted new-age technologies to enhance energy efficiency and support sustainability goals.
Achieving better sustainability starts with optimising network operational efficiency
The efficiency and sustainability performance of most enterprises are closely tied to the strength of their network since the network touches each and every aspect of operations. Energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, procurement all figure in. Hence, smarter monitoring and automation is what will drive the network as a key sustainability enabler in 2025 and beyond.
Enterprise networks can contain any number of technologies, such as wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth®, Zigbee® and other IoT protocols, private 5G and unlicensed spectrum, to drive connected people and devices. Each technology has its particular role and there are countless unique implementation combinations depending on the industry. Still, it’s possible to showcase a particular example to explore the many ways smarter networks are empowering significant sustainability.
Using AI-driven networks in Education
The use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications and sensors in schools and campuses is not new but the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is rapidly transforming various sectors, has provided a more compelling reason for the education sector to invest in deploying IoT and AI technologies, to deliver better user experience since routine tasks are automated and workflow is streamlined, enhance the quality of education for students and contribute to sustainability.
AI is used to analyse data that is collected from the IoT sensors, such as monitoring the air quality and temperature in a classroom, ensuring an optimal environment while reducing energy consumption. Interactive classroom learning that is enabled by connected devices that are dependent on the school’s network infrastructure, have also changed the way students learn and engage with digital content, doing away with hard copies. Students’ higher participation in lessons, increased critical learning skills and better creativity are some of the positive learning outcomes of using technologies in the classrooms. For IT personnel, AI-driven solutions are used to reduce network management complications while increasing performance and resilience. For example, AI manages the day-to-day tasks normally reserved for the IT manager who monitors the network for issues.
To greater harness the education sector’s growth potential while addressing environmental concerns, the adoption of AI monitoring and management to wireless networks is pivotal. AI enables granular control of policy over all manner of connected technologies—Bluetooth, Zigbee, private 5G and other services. The complexity of so many layered technologies is such that it has become virtually impossible for human management to do it alone, even with a large, highly trained IT staff, which would be hard to find and afford.
The value of AI in improving sustainable education is clear – AI can optimise energy usage and predict maintenance needs, leading to reduced emissions and resource conservation.
AI-driven networks also help to raise hotels’ sustainability profile
From energy use to saving water, AI helps hotels optimise energy use by automating systems like lighting and HVAC in unoccupied rooms. AI-controlled Wi-Fi networks adjust power based on occupancy, ensuring energy is used efficiently. This real-time optimisation not only reduces operational costs but also helps lower carbon footprints. An intelligent network can drive IoT sensors, smart water meters and rainwater harvesting systems to monitor and discover potential efficiencies and leaks and raise alerts when unusual water usage patterns are detected. Hotels are increasingly adopting water conservation practices to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining guest comfort.
Even in waste management, the same AI capabilities that enable AI to monitor, react and learn from energy use also help to identify specific waste types, such as food scraps, offering insights that can help minimise food waste. IoT-enabled waste bins and smart recycling systems allow hotels to monitor waste levels in real-time, notifying staff when bins are full. Additionally, machine learning algorithms are increasingly used to sort recyclables efficiently, ensuring more materials are diverted from landfills.
The broader enterprise picture
While this exploration of sustainability through the lens of the manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and hospitality sectors highlight specific applications, the potential extends just as significantly to schools, airports, stadiums, and corporate campuses. Across all these environments, AI now provides deep insights into every aspect of operations, from procurement and resource management to day-to-day workflows. At each stage, AI-driven networks can pinpoint, optimise, and measure critical sustainability factors, adapting to the unique needs of any setting.
It is clear that in 2025, the focus on environmental stewardship will intensify, with AI-powered smart networks and their connected applications playing a central role in driving sustainable operations that support business success.
David Plummer, Regional Sales Director, RUCKUS Networks, ANZ, CommScope
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