In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern—it is a core strategic priority. Organizations across industries are under increasing pressure to deliver on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, with climate action and resource efficiency at the forefront. Digital business transformation is emerging as a powerful enabler, equipping companies with the tools, data, and platforms needed to drive measurable sustainability outcomes. At Publicis Sapient, we are privileged to partner with clients in manufacturing, real estate, energy, and beyond to help them realize their ESG ambitions through technology.
The urgency of climate change and resource constraints has made sustainability a business imperative. But achieving ambitious ESG goals—such as net zero emissions, circular supply chains, and energy efficiency—requires more than incremental improvements. It demands a fundamental reimagining of how organizations operate, make decisions, and engage with stakeholders. This is where digital transformation comes in: by harnessing data, artificial intelligence (AI), and platform thinking, companies can unlock new levels of transparency, agility, and impact.
One of the most significant challenges for organizations is understanding and managing their carbon footprint. Publicis Sapient has developed and implemented digital platforms that enable real-time emissions tracking across complex operations. For example, in the energy sector, we partnered with a major company to launch a platform that aggregates data from across the value chain, providing actionable insights into carbon emissions at every stage. This not only supports regulatory compliance and reporting but also empowers leaders to make informed decisions that drive down emissions and unlock cost savings. In one case, our platform helped a client avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in investments that would have negatively impacted their sustainability index, demonstrating the tangible business value of digital ESG solutions.
Sustainable supply chains are critical to reducing environmental impact. Through advanced analytics and AI, organizations can optimize logistics, reduce waste, and minimize emissions. For a global retailer, Publicis Sapient developed an AI-powered platform that analyzes purchasing patterns and delivery routes, dynamically assigning refrigerated and non-refrigerated trucks to orders. This eliminated redundant trips, reduced fuel consumption, and improved overall efficiency. By automating these decisions, companies can make sustainability the default—embedding green choices into everyday operations at scale.
The real estate sector is responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions, both in construction and ongoing operations. Our work with leading real estate firms has focused on leveraging building data to drive decarbonization. By capturing and analyzing data from building materials, energy systems, and occupancy patterns, we help clients develop strategies to reduce emissions and achieve net zero targets. This data-driven approach not only supports compliance with evolving regulations but also creates new revenue streams, as clients increasingly demand green-certified spaces.
At the heart of digital sustainability is the ability to collect, analyze, and act on data. AI and machine learning unlock new possibilities for predictive insights, scenario modeling, and automated decision-making. For example, in manufacturing, AI can optimize production schedules to minimize energy use, while in utilities, it can balance grid loads to maximize the use of renewables. Platform thinking—building integrated, scalable digital ecosystems—enables organizations to break down silos, connect stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement.
Our SPEED framework—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data & AI—ensures that sustainability is embedded at every stage of transformation. By starting with a clear strategy, designing products and experiences that prioritize ESG outcomes, and leveraging engineering and data to deliver measurable results, we help clients move from ambition to action.
Sustainability is a shared challenge that transcends industry boundaries. Our experience shows that the most successful transformations are those that put people at the center—empowering employees, customers, and communities to participate in the journey. Whether it’s enabling consumers to make greener choices, supporting employees with new digital tools, or collaborating with partners to drive systemic change, technology is the catalyst for collective progress.
As regulatory expectations rise and stakeholders demand greater accountability, the role of digital transformation in sustainability will only grow. The next wave of innovation will see even deeper integration of AI, IoT, and data platforms to enable real-time, automated ESG management. Organizations that embrace this shift will not only meet their climate and sustainability goals—they will unlock new sources of value, resilience, and competitive advantage.
At Publicis Sapient, we are committed to helping our clients thrive in the brave pursuit of next. By combining deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology, we are proud to be at the forefront of digital transformation for sustainability—delivering solutions that drive real, measurable ESG impact for business and society alike.