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The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has just released its first annual survey on how top business executives both view and utilize seven technology innovations: blockchain, sensors, data analytics, mobile ubiquity, dematerialization, automation, and sharing technologies.
The results are encouraging. EDF’s findings have revealed that despite policy setbacks at the U.S. federal level, 70 percent of the over 500 respondents said their companies are investing in technologies that could help solve today’s most pressing environmental challenges. “As you know, every day companies are making sustainability and climate commitments, but this survey shows that many top companies are actually taking action,” said an EDF spokesperson.
Here are five examples of how these innovations have been implemented across various industries.
Walmart, Unilever, and Nestle are among large companies working with IBM to identify blockchain applications for global food supply chains. The technology could help to secure supply chain records for commodities such as chicken, chocolate and bananas. The upside for the environment is less food waste and emissions – and for business, a boost in supply chain efficiencies and more assurances of food safety.
Image credit: EDF
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives. Currently living in Central California, he’s traveled to 70-plus countries and has lived and worked in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Leon’s an alum of Fresno State, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Southern California's Marshall Business School. He enjoys traveling abroad as well as exploring California’s Central Coast and the Sierra Nevadas.