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Kyndryl and Microsoft's Study on IT and Environmental Goals

In a groundbreaking report released on November 18, 2025, Kyndryl, a leader in mission-critical technology services, and Microsoft unveiled key findings from the third annual Global Sustainability Barometer Study conducted by Ecosystm. This comprehensive survey reflects the views of 1,286 enterprise leaders across 20 countries, revealing a significant trend in how leading organizations perceive the integration of Information Technology (IT) with sustainability efforts.

The study demonstrates that a striking 78% of organizations focused on embedding sustainability into their business models rely on IT as a crucial mechanism to achieve their environmental goals. This partnership between Kyndryl and Microsoft reaffirms the role that advanced technologies, such as AI and data analytics, play in driving measurable business value while fostering sustainable practices.

Key Findings and Trends

A Shift Towards Sustainability as a Business Driver

The findings of the Global Sustainability Barometer indicate a decisive shift within organizations, moving from compliance-focused approaches to sustainability being a core component of their business strategy. Notably, 62% of integration-focused organizations underscore that sustainability permeates their innovation, cost-saving initiatives, and strategies for resilience, markedly more than the 34% reported by their less integrated counterparts.

Faith Taylor, Senior Vice President of Global Citizenship and Sustainability at Kyndryl, highlighted this shift: "We're witnessing leaders who position policy, people, and purpose interconnectedly. They are wielding technological insights and AI-driven strategies to enact impactful change in sustainability rather than merely reporting on it.” This transformation denotes that when sustainability becomes ingrained in business operations, organizations can make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance resilience and promote innovation.

Technology's Role in Driving Sustainability

The report reveals that more than half (56%) of IT teams are now spearheading sustainability initiatives beyond their traditional roles, up from 38% in the previous year. This showcases a growing recognition of IT's ability to drive sustainability forward, with 59% of those surveyed citing financial advantages from sustainability-focused investments, particularly through operational efficiencies and customer loyalty.

Ricardo Davila, General Manager of Enterprise Partner Solutions at Microsoft, observed that "over half of leading organizations are leveraging predictive AI, not just to analyze but to proactively face sustainability challenges.” This foresight reflects a progressive approach, placing forward-looking intelligence at the heart of sustainability strategies.

The Rise of Agentic AI

Interestingly, the study highlighted the early adoption of agentic AI technologies among organizations, with 30% already piloting or implementing these solutions for sustainability purposes. Early adopters reported substantial gains in cost reduction, compliance improvements, and innovation capacities, enhancing their ability to respond to evolving market dynamics and environmental challenges.

The Global Picture

Regionally, Europe has emerged as a frontrunner in harmonizing technology adoption with sustainability, propelled by strong regulatory frameworks favoring eco-friendly initiatives. Organizations across all regions indicate that a clearer return on investment (ROI) or new revenue streams are driving their sustainability efforts. Sash Mukherjee, Vice President of Industry Insights at Ecosystm, emphasized that predictive and agentic AI can forge a closed-loop system uniting strategic planning with tangible execution.

Conclusion

As organizations strive to weave sustainability into their DNA, the synergy between IT and sustainability will continue to shape the future landscape. The findings from Kyndryl and Microsoft's study not only illuminate the current state of sustainability practices across industries but also underscore the vast potential of technology to revolutionize how organizations approach their environmental responsibilities. Together, these insights pave the way for more sustainable business practices built on the foundation of innovation and strategic alignment.

For the full report and further insights, visit Kyndryl or Microsoft.